SBU names Gerasimov suspect over Russia’s largest July 2 attack on Kyiv

The SBU announced the move on Aug. 24.

Military counterintelligence said Gerasimov has issued combat orders for combined missile and air attacks on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure since the start of the full-scale war.

Investigators determined that Gerasimov personally commanded the largest attack on Kyiv overnight into July 2, 2026, when Russia used a total of 570 weapons against the capital: attack drones and hypersonic and ballistic missiles, including Zircon and Iskander-M missiles.

Based on the evidence collected, SBU investigators formally named Gerasimov a suspect in absentia under Part 2 of Article 438 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code — war crimes resulting in deaths.

According to SBU materials, the International Criminal Court in The Hague issued an arrest warrant for Gerasimov in June 2024 over war crimes against Ukraine’s civilian population. His direct involvement in missile strikes on Ukraine’s energy system in 2022–2023 was established at the time.

Because Gerasimov is in Russia, efforts are underway to bring him to justice. Investigators from the SBU’s Main Investigation Department conducted the probe under the procedural supervision of the Prosecutor General’s Office.

July 2 attack on Kyiv — key details

Russia carried out one of its largest attacks on Kyiv overnight into July 2, using nearly 500 drones and 74 missiles, including four Zircon missiles and dozens of ballistic and cruise missiles. Air defenses neutralized 476 drones and 48 missiles.

Air Force communications chief Yurii Ihnat said Russian forces attacked the capital in several waves, launching missiles and drones, including jet-powered drones, simultaneously.

Damage was recorded at 40 locations across all of Kyiv’s districts, and large fires broke out. Buildings took direct hits, including in the Darnytskyi district, where nearly an entire high-rise apartment building collapsed. More than 20 buildings, a hotel, an ambulance station, a zoo and numerous stores and warehouses were damaged.

The attack killed 30 people and injured more than 90, including children. Among those killed that day were a 24-year-old Ukrainian defender and his sister from Konotop.