After the detention of a high-ranking official within the military structure, the leadership of the 155th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Anna Kyivska issued a strong statement condemning corruption among its personnel, urging servicemen not to remain indifferent to abuses
On May 5, in Donetsk region, a battalion commander was detained who, according to law enforcement agencies, demanded bribes from subordinates for kickbacks — illicit payments supposedly for participation in combat on the front line, as well as the accrual of fictitious allowances. According to sources from "Ukrainska Pravda," this refers specifically to acting commander of the drone systems battalion of this brigade, Lieutenant Colonel Sviatoslav Shumskyi. The information regarding the detention was also confirmed by officers close to the brigade’s leadership. The commander of the 155th Brigade, Colonel Taras Maksimov, in his video address to the personnel, firmly condemned any manifestations of corruption within military structures. He emphasized that the war does not justify uncontrolled actions and abuses, and called on servicemen to be aware and not to hesitate to expose unlawful practices. "If someone believes that during wartime they can act at their own discretion and without accountability — they are mistaken. The command will fight all forms of corruption and illegal abuses because they undermine our army and erode trust in it. I want to stress that any collections, so-called 'gratitude payments,' pressure, or abuse of authority are unacceptable in the Armed Forces of Ukraine," Maksimov stated. He also highlighted that servicemen have the opportunity to report any abuses anonymously via a dedicated hotline to avoid retaliation and to ensure confidentiality for every complaint. "This is not just a formal procedure, but a real tool — anyone can call the number +38 098 0642505. Responses to reports will be swift and decisive," the military leader emphasized. Maksimov's address is a response to recent events and a signal that Ukraine's military structures are intensifying the fight against corruption and abuse. It also serves as a message to personnel to increase transparency and accountability within military units, especially during prolonged wartime when any abuse or corrupt schemes harm combat readiness and morale. It is worth noting that the court has chosen a preventive measure in the form of 60 days in detention for the suspect, with the possibility of posting bail of 49 million hryvnias. This stands as a clear demonstration of the unwavering stance of law enforcement agencies in combating corruption within Ukrainian military structures. The events surrounding the detention stem from a systemic problem of misconduct and corrupt schemes within the armed forces; however, such statements from command and appeals to personnel help foster a trend towards a more transparent and lawful attitude toward military service, which is an important step toward cleaning up and strengthening the Ukrainian army.