MOSCOW, RU – Two Russian soldiers, Alexander Kaygorodtsev, 36, and Alexander Osipov, 34, have been apprehended by authorities on April 24 on charges of committing multiple murders in the Moscow-controlled region of Kherson. Reports indicate that the soldiers, who were part of the 144th Guards Motor Rifle Division, embarked on a deadly rampage while under the influence of alcohol.
The duo reportedly killed several residents and set their homes ablaze when denied alcohol. They confessed to the murder of at least five individuals and informed investigators about the concealed bodies of more victims, including the village head of Abrikosovka, where the heinous acts took place.
Among the victims were a 65-year-old individual and a woman who was shot in the abdomen before her residence was torched. The soldiers allegedly mutilated some victims, including cracking their skulls open, and used grenades and fire to obliterate evidence of their crimes.
In a perplexing twist, the soldiers also targeted fellow Russian servicemen. One victim, Lyubov Tymchak, was shot for refusing to let them commandeer an empty house.
Although no official charges have been filed against Kaygorodtsev and Osipov, reports suggest that the 126th Military Investigation Department of the Russian Investigative Committee will probe the case. Kaygorodtsev, who has a previous murder conviction and involvement in drug trafficking, could face life imprisonment if found guilty of the new charges.
These killings are seen as part of the escalating violence in the Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine. Numerous crimes against Ukrainian inhabitants.
A report by human rights NGO watchdog Projector highlighted the attacks on residents between March and September 2023, alleging that some Russian forces intentionally targeted civilians.