SBU charges Russian general who commanded failed Kyiv invasion
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has gathered evidence against Major General Vladimir Seliverstov, a former commander of the Russian 106th Airborne Division, the SBU announced on Telegram on Oct. 17.
At the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Seliverstov led the operation to seize Kyiv from the northwest.
According to Russia’s General Staff plan, on Feb. 24, 2022, Seliverstov’s airborne units were supposed to capture the airfield in Hostomel, followed by the occupation of the entire town.
Additionally, another group of troops from Seliverstov’s division was ordered to seize Vyshneve, a town near Kyiv. The occupiers planned to secure these areas and establish a foothold for an eventual assault on the capital.
As reinforcements arrived, Russian forces intended to storm Kyiv, hoping for a swift capture. However, Ukrainian forces surrounded and destroyed much of Seliverstov’s group during the battles for Hostomel, and later took out the occupiers’ command post in the Bucha district, where Seliverstov and his top officers were stationed.
Reports indicate that Seliverstov and his deputies were seriously wounded, leading to an order to “evacuate” the enemy group.
SBU investigators have now charged Seliverstov in absentia under Article 28, Part 2, and Article 437, Part 2, of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (waging an aggressive war, committed in collusion by a group of persons).
Efforts are ongoing to locate and punish him.
The Russian assault on Kyiv came from the northwest, through the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone and Belarus. Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups (DRGs) clashed with Ukrainian forces on both banks of the Dnipro River from the early days of the invasion. However, these groups only managed to infiltrate Kyiv’s outskirts; full-scale Russian forces never breached the city.
Russian forces suffered a crushing defeat and were forced to retreat. By April 1, Ukrainian troops were clearing villages of the remaining Russian units. Even after the Kyiv battle ended, Russia continued shelling the capital.
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