Ukrainian Intelligence Identifies FSB Colonel Linked to Torture of Civilians in Kyiv Region

The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (HUR MO) has made a crucial announcement regarding its investigation into war crimes committed during the occupation of the Kyiv region. The agency has identified an employee of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB) who was directly involved in the torture of civilians during the capture of the village of Dimer in the Vyshhorod district in 2022. According to a statement from HUR's press service on social media, the perpetrator has been identified as FSB Colonel Serhiy Oleynichuk.

In its statement, HUR noted that through the combined efforts of intelligence and investigators from the National Police of Ukraine, it was determined that Oleynichuk played a key role in the system of occupation forces, serving as a 'curator' from the FSB responsible for so-called 'filtering' measures. These measures included brutal interrogations and torture of civilians who fell under the control of Russian troops.

According to HUR, from February 24 to March 31, 2022, Russian forces temporarily occupied the village of Dimer. The occupation group included units from the 83rd Separate Air Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Russia. On the premises of an enterprise located on Vyshneva Street, the occupiers set up a site for the illegal detention of civilians, where individuals were subjected to severe interrogations and torture.

It has been established that Colonel Oleynichuk personally conducted interrogations that involved physical and psychological violence. He also had the authority to make decisions regarding the deportation of individuals to Russia. Documents collected indicate the illegal transfer of at least 42 individuals, including villagers, students, entrepreneurs, coaches, and a journalist. The deported individuals were dispersed across various facilities in Russia, where they were held in detention centers and colonies in the Rostov, Mordovia, Bryansk, Smolensk, Perm, Tula, and Vladimir regions. Some of these individuals have been successfully returned, but at least 24 civilians remain in captivity.

HUR also released information about the war criminal Oleynichuk: he was born on May 8, 1981, in the Orenburg region and is a graduate of the Far Eastern Military Institute. He currently holds the rank of colonel in the FSB's Eastern Military District (military unit 73905, Khabarovsk) and is attached to the 83rd Separate Air Assault Brigade (military unit 71289, Ussuriysk).

Based on the evidence collected, the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine has informed Oleynichuk of suspicion for violating the laws and customs of war, accompanied by cruel treatment of civilians. The penalty for the article under which he is suspected carries a life imprisonment sentence. Additionally, other servicemen from the 83rd Brigade of the Armed Forces of Russia, both from the ranks and leadership, have been identified as being involved in these crimes.

'Every war criminal who has come to Ukrainian land with the intent to kill and torture will be identified. HUR MO Ukraine reminds that for every crime against the Ukrainian people, there will be just retribution!' the intelligence agency stated, emphasizing its determination to combat war crimes.