Vladimir Putin has promoted Alexander Chaiko, the general who commanded Russian forces during the occupation and massacre of Bucha, to serve as commander-in-chief of Russia's Aerospace Forces. Chaiko faces EU sanctions, UK sanctions, and criminal charges filed by Ukraine's Security Service. Putin promoted him anyway.
Who Is Alexander Chaiko
Alexander Chaiko served as commander of Russia's Eastern Military District when Russian forces occupied Bucha in February and March 2022. During that occupation, Russian soldiers killed hundreds of Ukrainian civilians. Bodies were found on streets, in basements, and in mass graves after Russian forces withdrew.
Chaiko reportedly relocated his headquarters to a seized kindergarten in the village of Zdvyzhivka, in the Bucha district, during the operation. Ukraine's Security Service, the SBU, filed criminal charges against Chaiko in September 2025. Investigators stated he took part in planning and executing the invasion of Ukraine's northern regions at the start of Russia's full-scale aggression.
Sanctioned by Europe, Promoted by Putin
The European Union added Chaiko to its sanctions list in March 2026, as part of a package targeting nine individuals linked to war crimes committed during the Russian occupation of Bucha. The sanctions imposed asset freezes and travel bans, prohibiting EU citizens and companies from providing funds to those listed.
Chaiko's record extends beyond Ukraine. Human Rights Watch named him as responsible for bombing hospitals and schools in Syria during the period he commanded Russian forces there, from 2017 to 2019. The United Kingdom imposed separate sanctions on him for his conduct in Syria.
"Russia names general sanctioned over Bucha killings as new Aerospace Forces commander." — Meduza, May 4, 2026
What This Appointment Means
Chaiko replaces Viktor Afzalov, who had led the Aerospace Forces since October 2023. The appointment gives a sanctioned war crimes suspect command over all Russian air and space power, including the drone and missile campaign that has killed thousands of Ukrainian civilians since 2022.
The timing is significant. Russian drone strikes against Ukrainian cities have surged in recent months, with Ukraine reporting record-level attacks. Putting a general with Chaiko's record in charge of that campaign is not an accident. It is a statement.
Russia's government has made no effort to address international war crimes accountability. This appointment confirms the pattern: in Putin's Russia, overseeing a massacre is a qualification for promotion, not a disqualifier.
Sources
- Putin appoints Alexander Chaiko as new commander of Russia's Aerospace Forces — Ukrainska Pravda, May 4, 2026
- Russia names general sanctioned over Bucha killings as new Aerospace Forces commander — Meduza, May 4, 2026
- Putin Replaces Aerospace Commander With EU-Sanctioned General Amid Drone Surge — The Moscow Times, May 4, 2026
- EU sanctions 9 Russians for war crimes committed in Bucha — Kyiv Independent
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