The so-called “Minister” from North Ossetia: suspect in the shooting of Ukrainian prisoners of war has received a high government post
In the North Ossetia region, significant discussions and concerns have erupted around recent personnel appointments. Local authorities officially announced the appointment of 34-year-old Yuri Abaev as Minister of Labor and Social Protection. Abaev is better known in Russian military circles by his call sign "Boevvol" ("Bison"). It is noted that this individual has a controversial reputation, and his involvement in serious crimes against Ukrainian prisoners of war is not in doubt by Ukrainian intelligence agencies. Sources, including the Telegram channel Astra and official reports from Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate, confirm Abaev’s identification as a war criminal involved in the execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war during fighting in the Zaporizhzhia direction in May 2024. According to Ukrainian intelligence data, Abaev participated in a temporary assault group of the 70th Guards Motor Rifle Regiment, part of the 42nd Motor Rifle Division of the 58th Army of the Southern Military District of the Russian Armed Forces. He was in charge of an operation during which several Ukrainian prisoners of war were killed near the village of Robotyne in Zaporizhzhia region. What is particularly outraging is that Abaev has been appointed to a high state position in North Ossetia. Information circulated on Telegram channels and sources states that his candidacy is promoted and supported by regional leadership, specifically by the region’s head, Sergei Menyaylo. According to him, Yuri Abaev has a full set of awards and titles, including recognition as a hero of Russia and a recipient of the "Bravery" order. Menyaylo emphasizes that this appointment was made as part of the presidential program "Time of Heroes," aimed at popularizing service members and combatants against Ukraine, and urges belief in Abaev’s ability to handle his new responsibilities, citing his discipline and understandable motivation. However, this news has sparked a wave of outrage among Ukrainian civil and military structures. They contend that individuals involved in war crimes should not hold high government positions, let alone become part of regional and national government spheres in Russia. It is known that Abaev previously served in the 70th Guards Motor Rifle Regiment, and his military career ended with the rank of deputy unit commander. His personal role in the brutal crimes against Ukrainians is confirmed by Ukrainian intelligence. Additionally, it is known that Abaev, born in December 1990, has the call sign "Boevvol," and served as a commanding officer during armed hostilities with Ukraine. His involvement in a specific operation of shooting Ukrainian prisoners of war was confirmed by Ukrainian intelligence and has caused widespread condemnation from both the public and official Kyiv structures. His name was made public via footage appearing in Telegram channels, where his participation in crimes and a photograph of him in military uniform were documented. Currently, the situation shows how Abaev has obtained an administrative position in a region controlled by Russia, and through Russian state programs of cover-up and "awarding," his career has seemingly entered a new level. This further raises alarm among Ukrainian experts and political analysts, as it calls into question the moral and ethical integrity of such appointments, given his direct involvement in war crimes committed by the Russian army on Ukrainian territory. Thus, within the context of new personnel decisions from Russia, there is an open approach to presenting war criminals as heroes and utilizing them within state structures. This clearly defines the policy pursued by regional and federal authorities and raises concerns about the increasing level of impunity for war crimes. Meanwhile, Ukrainian security agencies and civil society continue to monitor the situation and emphasize the importance of bringing those responsible for these horrific crimes against humanity to justice.