Ukrainian Police Identify Russian Commander Linked to Bucha Civilian’s Murder
The National Police of Ukraine has revealed the identity of a Russian serviceman suspected of involvement in the 2022 killing of a civilian woman in Bucha. According to a statement from the city council, the suspect is Artem Tarasov, a commander in the 234th Guard Air-Assault Regiment of the 76th Guards Air-Assault Division of the Russian airborne forces.
Ukrainian police allege that on March 5, 2022, Tarasov ordered his troops to shoot at all civilian residents near the intersection of Yablunska and Vodoprovidna streets in Bucha. Tragically, 52-year-old Irina Filikina, a resident of the neighboring village of Mykhailivka, was returning home on her bicycle when she was gunned down, with at least 15 bullet wounds. Her body remained undiscovered for weeks until Russian forces retreated from Bucha.
The shocking incident gained international attention after a Reuters photographer, Zohra Bensemra, captured a poignant image of a lifeless hand with vibrantly painted nails lying in the dirt. The image went viral, ultimately helping Filikina’s nail technician recognize and identify the victim.
Ukrainian investigators believe Tarasov’s order resulted in the deaths of 13 peaceful residents on Yablunska Street. Bucha’s horror was uncovered after its liberation from Russian occupation in late March 2022. Evidence of massacre, torture, and looting surfaced, with estimates suggesting hundreds of civilians were killed. Ukraine blames Russian forces, while the Russian government denies the allegations. Lawsuits against those distributing "unfavorable" news about the Russian military have been pursued within Russia.
