The Investigative Department of the SBU in Kharkiv region, under the procedural leadership of the regional prosecutor's office, opened criminal proceedings on the fact of shelling of the city of Merefa by the Russian occupation forces on the morning of May 17.

"As a result of the shelling, more than 30 houses, a high-voltage line and a number of cars were damaged," the press service of Kharkiv regional prosecutor's office reports.

Criminal proceedings are open under Part 1 of Article 438 (violation of the laws and customs of war) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (part 1 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).