U.S. Sanctions 'The Butcher of Bucha', Other Russians For Rights Violations in Ukraine

The United States on Monday imposed visa sanctions on two infamous Russian military officials and their immediate family members due to their “involvement in gross violations of human rights” in Ukraine, TURAN's Washington correspondent reportsş.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that Russian Armed Forces Col. Azatbek Omurbekov, also known as “The Butcher of Bucha,” and Guard Corporal Daniil Frolkin were sanctioned for involvement in the extrajudicial killings of civilians from Andriivka, Ukraine.

“As a result of today’s action, Omurbekov, Frolkin, and their immediate family members are ineligible for entry into the United States,” the top American diplomat said.

Omurbekov was the commanding officer of Russia's 64th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade during the period of time that Russia’s forces controlled the Ukrainian town Andriivka. He later led the brigade to Bucha, Ukraine, where the State Department determined that the 64th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade killed, beat, dismembered, burned, and conducted mock executions of civilians.

After accounts of the brigade’s brutality emerged, the Kremlin responded by issuing a statement indicating that Vladimir Putin had conferred honors upon the 64th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade, and Russia’s Defense Ministry promoted Omurbekov and praised his leadership.

"The reports that Omurbekov and Frolkin were involved in gross violations of human rights, as documented by NGOs and independent investigations, are serious and credible," Blinken noted.

"By publicly designating Omurbekov and Frolkin, the United States reaffirms its commitment to upholding human rights, acknowledging the injustice experienced by victims and survivors, and promoting accountability for those responsible for human rights violations," the Secretary concluded.