IEKEL Vitaly Alexandrovich

As Chief Designer of JSC "Production Association Strela", V. Iekel directly oversees the design development and modernization of 3M55M Oniks-M supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles. In addition, under V. Iekel’s design supervision, the enterprise has organized the production of components for Kh-101 strategic cruise missiles and "Izdeliye-30" cruise missiles.
These weapons are widely used by russia in its aggressive war against Ukraine, including for strikes against densely populated cities, energy facilities, and civilian infrastructure.
These actions, as an integral part of russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine, also exhibit characteristics of violations of the laws and customs of war, having resulted in the mass killing of civilians and large-scale destruction. Furthermore, the individual did not exercise the right to refuse to carry out a manifestly unlawful order, which international law obliges individuals not to execute, thereby becoming an accomplice to the crime.
The most notable incidents include:
February 22, 2026, a strike using 3M55M Oniks-M supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles against the Trypilska Thermal Power Plant in Ukrainka, Kyiv Region;
July 8, 2024, a Kh-101 strategic cruise missile strike on the Okhmatdyt Children’s Medical Center in Kyiv;
November 19, 2025, a Kh-101 strategic cruise missile strike on an apartment building in Ternopil, resulting in the deaths of 33 people, including 6 children;
March 7, 2026, a strike using an "Izdeliye-30" cruise missile against a residential building in Kharkiv, resulting in the deaths of 11 people, including two children.