03 June 2026
(The aftermath of the attack in Odesa in April 2022. PHOTO: od.npu.gov.ua)
In Odesa, two Russian army commanders were exposed who are believed to be involved in a missile attack on the Tiras residential complex in April 2022. The attack killed eight people, including a child, a pregnant woman, and family members.
This was reported to Intent by the press service of the Main Department of the National Police in Odesa region.
Law enforcement officers in Odesa region have identified two more Russian military commanders suspected of organizing a missile attack on the Tiras residential complex in Odesa on the eve of Easter in 2022. These are a major general and a colonel of the Russian army, who are charged with war crimes that led to the death of civilians. If convicted, they face life imprisonment.
According to the investigation, on April 23, 2022, following the order of the Commander of the Russian Long-Range Aviation, Sergei Kobylash, the commander of the 22nd Guards Heavy Bomber Division, Oleh Varpakhovych, and the commander of the 121st Heavy Bomber Regiment of Long-Range Aviation, Oleksiy Skitsky, organized a missile attack on Odesa.
Investigators found that the strategic missile-carrying aircraft belonging to the suspects' units launched X-101 cruise missiles from the Caspian Sea. One of the missiles hit a 16-story residential building in the Tiras residential complex.
Eight civilians died as a result of the strike. Among the victims were a little girl, her mother and grandmother, and a pregnant woman. Another 11 people were injured. The explosion destroyed and damaged apartments, a business center and cars.
Another rocket fired during the attack hit a cemetery. A woman was injured, and graves were destroyed and damaged.
After the tragedy, law enforcement officers worked continuously at the site of the attack for almost two days. Investigators inspected more than 60 sites, examined the bodies of all the victims, took biological samples from the victims and their relatives, and questioned about 130 people - victims and witnesses.
A number of examinations were ordered to collect evidence, including forensic, molecular genetic, explosive, construction and military studies. Military experts at the Prosecutor General's Office, specialists in international humanitarian law and other relevant specialists were also involved in the work.
Based on the evidence collected, Varpakhovych and Skitsky were served suspicion notices in absentia under the article on cruel treatment of civilians and violations of the laws and customs of war committed by a group of persons and resulting in the death of people.
It is worth noting that back in 2024, Odesa investigators served a notice of suspicion on the commander of the Russian long-range aviation, Sergei Kobylash, who is considered by the investigation to be the person who ordered the attack.
The investigation is ongoing. Law enforcement officers continue to identify other individuals who may have been involved in the missile attack on Odesa.
In June 2023, the Center for Public Investigations made an investigative film "Who Killed the People in the Tiras Residential Complex," where it personalized those who may have been involved in the deadly attack on the civilian population of Odesa.
Анна Літман