Officer Accused of Mass Killings in Bucha Appointed Deputy Minister in Russia

In the Orenburg region, Nursultan Mussagaliyev, who has been accused by the Ukrainian Security Service of war crimes in Bucha, was appointed as Deputy Minister. Ukraine has opened a criminal case against him, yet he has been awarded the title "Hero of Russia" for his involvement in the war, reports NewsBox.

Denis Pasler, the Governor of the Orenburg region, announced the appointment of Nursultan Mussagaliyev to the position of Deputy Minister. In his Telegram channel, Pasler highlighted Mussagaliyev's professional military skills and his active participation in the region's community life. The new Deputy Minister will oversee organizations that provide support to participants in the Special Military Operation (SMO), veterans, and their families.

At the same time, the Ukrainian Security Service accuses Mussagaliyev of torture and the killing of civilians in Bucha. In October 2023, Ukraine launched a criminal case against him related to mass purges aimed at quelling resistance and intimidating the population.

According to Ukrainian intelligence, Mussagaliyev and his subordinates abducted a 29-year-old local resident after finding photos of construction materials on his phone, suspecting it as aid to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The man was taken to a forest near the village of Dmitrivka, where he was brutally tortured and then executed on Mussagaliyev's orders.

The Ukrainian Security Service also released an interrogation video of a captured Russian soldier who confirmed the accusations.

For his participation in the war, Mussagaliyev received the "Hero of Russia" title, three Orders of Courage, and the "For Merit to the Fatherland" medal, Second Class. Following this, he underwent training at the ministry as part of the "Time for Heroes" program initiated by Vladimir Putin.