Russia charges top Ukrainian military leaders with ‘terrorism’ over drone strikes

close Video

Fox News Flash top headlines for October 2

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what’s clicking on Foxnews.com.

The Russian government said Tuesday it will be pursuing charges against high-ranking members of the Ukrainian military for “terrorist attacks.”

The country’s Investigative Committee accused four individuals of terrorism in connection to drone strikes on Russian territory and regions of Ukraine currently being held by Russian invading forces.

Russia’s official statement named the following officials — Main Directorate of Intelligence Chief Kyrylo Budanov, Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk, Ukrainian Naval Forces Commander Oleksiy Neizhpapa and 383rd Unmanned Aviation Brigade Commander Serhiy Burdenyuk.

UKRAINE’S DRONE WARFARE STRATEGY HAS BROUGHT WAR HOME TO ‘MOTHER RUSSIA’

Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force Mykola Oleshchuk speaks during a funerary ceremony for pilot of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Andrii Pilshchykov in the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ UGCC in Kyiv, Ukraine. (Photo by Dmytro Larin /Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)

The announcement — released via Telegram — shows Russia’s deep concern regarding the growing effectiveness of Ukrainian drone technology since the invasion commenced.

Ukrainian military forces have used unmanned aerial vehicles to make strikes inside Russian territory, expanding the scope of the conflict outside the frontline.

Russia has also used drone technology in the conflict, striking military targets and infrastructure assets such as grain facilities. 

BIDEN ADMINISTRATION CONCERNED OVER CORRUPTION IN UKRAINE BUT STILL SUPPORTS AID TO COMBAT RUSSIA, MEMO STATES

Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov gives an interview in Kyiv, Ukraine. (Photo by Vitalii Nosach/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)

“With a series of carefully calibrated drone attacks over the past several weeks on and around Crimea and deeper into Russia, Ukraine has eroded Putin’s red lines of Russia-proper being off limits for Kyiv’s strikes,” Rebekah Koffler, president of Doctrine & Strategy Consulting and a former Defense Intelligence Agency officer, told Fox News Digital in September.

Areas that have suffered intense drone strikes by Ukrainian forces include the annexed region of Crimea, Moscow, Belgorod, Bryansk and Kursk.

“[Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelenskyy wants to keep going, probing Putin’s real red lines and will for a massive retaliation,” she explained. “We are at a very crucial time now in this conflict.” 

Commander of the Ukrainian Navy Rear Admiral Oleksii Neizhpapa attends a news conference at the National Security Forum in Kyiv, capital of Ukraine. ((Photo credit should read Volodymyr Tarasov/ Ukrinform/Future Publishing via Getty Images))

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The Investigative Committee intends to add the four Ukrainian military officials to its wanted list and suggests the possibility of trial in absentia, according to the message.

Timothy Nerozzi is a writer for Fox News Digital. You can follow him on Twitter @timothynerozzi and can email him at timothy.nerozzi@fox.com