Ukrainian Ground Forces Command Under Attack Again: Chief Commander Mykhailo Drapaty announced the appointment of an additional official investigation following high-profile investigations into business dealings related to “combat” payments in the 155th Brigade
This response came after journalists from "Ukrainska Pravda" revealed details that could suggest misconduct by high-ranking officials and commanders, who, taking advantage of the complex front-line situation, previously profited from direct contributions by military personnel. Major General Drapaty confirmed in his official statement that, following the publication of the material, an in-depth official review was initiated to verify all facts concerning illegal schemes and abuses within the unit. According to him, this review aims not only to shed light on specific cases but also to strengthen trust in military leadership by upholding the principle of strict punishment for any misuse, regardless of rank or position. The commander also shared his personal experience, emphasizing how difficult it is to oversee reform processes within the 155th Brigade. This military unit, formed by mobilization, had long faced issues related to discipline, organizational efficiency, and combat readiness. Therefore, one of the top priorities became finding a new leader with the necessary experience and character capable of not only stabilizing the brigade’s operations but also enhancing its combat capabilities and training standards. Drapaty stated that the candidate for the brigade commander position was selected by Vladimir Shvedyuk, the Commander of the Western Operational Command, based on a thorough analysis of their experience, recommendations from comrades, and previous service achievements. He also clarified that other candidates were considered, but most either did not meet the requirements or declined to participate due to other proposals. This again underscores the high level of competition and responsibility involved in the process. He also acknowledged the crisis that arose within the brigade during the leadership change. Initially, the command of the 155th unit was in a state of imbalance and imperfection, which negatively affected its combat readiness. However, according to the officer, the appointment of Maksimov, made at an inopportune time, significantly helped return the unit to an effective operating state and improve its combat capability. At the same time, the leadership’s efforts are not limited to personnel issues. Experts—constantly working within the Ground Forces command—are involved in supporting personnel, implementing modern technologies, and developing drone systems. Currently, the brigade is actively preparing and equipping new drones to maximize battlefield capabilities. However, Drapaty emphasized that no success justifies ignoring problems. He stated that he and his subordinates are prepared to act decisively, with no "untouchables" within the military structure. In challenging and compromising situations like the current one, law enforcement and military prosecutors should, depending on circumstances, identify and punish the guilty. He expects the final results of the investigation with equal persistence. As previously reported, on May 19, "Ukrainska Pravda" published an article titled "Business on 'combat' payments and mass misconduct. How the new command is bringing the 155th Mechanized Brigade back from the brink." The article discussed potential involvement of Colonel Taras Maksimov in organizing fictitious "combat" payments, demanding kickbacks, and over 1,200 cases of unlawful allowances for participation in combat since early 2025. It also raised suspicions about insufficient provision of equipment and communication tools to the unit. The background to the situation was the detention in January of Lieutenant Colonel Sviatoslav Shumskyi, who was serving as the commander of a drone systems battalion. According to investigations, he demanded kickbacks from subordinates for allegedly assigning fictitious allowances for participation in combat, which caused significant resonance and added questions about leadership accountability. In early May, the court chose a preventive measure of two months' detention for Shumskyi with a bail set at 49 million hryvnias. Thus, the situation with the 155th Brigade highlights internal issues while also serving as a challenge for the leadership. The additional investigation and personnel decisions aim to determine whether Ukrainian military structures are capable of overcoming corruption and abuse schemes that undermine both combat readiness and public trust in the Armed Forces. Nonetheless, any assessments at this stage are premature—the true effectiveness of planned measures will be clear with time, and whether the Ukrainian military can once again stand as an example of discipline and order amidst wartime conditions.