Chernomor Miroslav Aleksandrovich (Chornomor Miroslav Oleksandrovich)

In April 2022, at the Azovmash plant named after him in Mariupol, occupied Donetsk region. 27-year-old Ukrainian citizen, commander of the reconnaissance section of the reconnaissance company of the 36th separate marine brigade of the naval forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, junior sergeant Myroslav Chernomor, fell into the hands of Russian servicemen. A criminal case was opened against him for cruel treatment of the civilian population, the use of prohibited means and methods in an armed conflict, the murder of two or more persons committed by an organized group, motivated by political and ideological hatred, and attempted murder of two or more persons committed by an organized group, motivated by political and ideological hatred and enmity. According to the Russian investigation, from February 24 to May 19, 2022, Chernomor and other military personnel were stationed in Mariupol "with the aim of forcibly retaining power in the territory controlled by the Kyiv regime." "One day they received an order from higher command about the need to take up positions in the area of Nikopol Avenue and not allow free movement of civilians. Carrying out this order, his subordinate "motivated by political and ideological hatred" fired several aimed shots from an assault rifle at two civilians, causing them fatal gunshot wounds. Then another Ukrainian serviceman, following the orders of his immediate commander Chernomor, fired a machine gun at two men, believing that they supported the special military operation and held pro-Russian positions. Another victim managed to escape from the firing zone and take cover in a safe place. On July 4, 2024, the Supreme Court of the Donetsk Republic found Myroslav Chernomore guilty and sentenced him to life imprisonment in a strict regime colony. On December 16, 2024, the First Appellate Court of General Jurisdiction excluded aggravating circumstances but still upheld the life sentence. On 5 February 2026, Myroslava Chernomora was released during the next exchange of prisoners of war between Russia and Ukraine.