MOSCOW, September 19 (RAPSI, Diana Gutsul) – Russian authorities have opened a criminal case over the alleged use of prohibited means and methods of warfare in the self-proclaimed republics of Donetsk and Luhansk by Ukrainian forces, Igor Trunov from Trunov, Aivar and Partners law firm told RAPSI on Friday.

The case was opened under Article 356 of Russia’s Criminal Code, the lawyer said, citing a notification of the Investigative Committee.

“We have witness testimony provided by Ukrainian refugees and intend to file a motion that they be recognized as the injured parties in this case,” Trunov added.

Ukrainian government launched a military operation in mid-April to suppress the separatist movement in eastern Ukraine, which did not recognize its legitimacy. Moscow urged Kiev to stop the “punitive military operations,” which have claimed lives on both sides, including civilians.

The armed groups of self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic and Lugansk People’s Republic have repeatedly accused the Ukrainian forces of using phosphorus bombs.

In August, the Investigative Committee said that evidence was provided that prohibited means of warfare had been used against civilians in Ukraine.

Russia's Rostov Region which borders Ukraine's eastern regions was reportedly shelled. Notably, shells exploded in the Russian city of Donetsk in Rostov Region. One Russian citizen died in July when the shell hit a house. Two women were injured, one of them seriously.

The State Duma lawmaker Roman Khudyakov has asked the head of the Investigative Committee Alexander Bastrykin to provide materials on the matter. The lawmaker plans to use these materials in the suit against Ukraine along with evidence of residents of the region.