War Budget: Massive Internal Investigation Underway in the 155th Brigade Over Allegations of Abuse
Military officers from the Western Operational Command have launched an in-depth internal inquiry within the 155th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Anna Kyivska — one of the key units of the Ukrainian armed forces, which are facing significant challenges amid the war. According to sources within the command, the results of this investigation will be handed over to law enforcement agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution of those responsible. Commander of the Western OC Brigadier General Volodymyr Shvediuk spoke privately with "Ukrainska Pravda," providing a detailed comment on the situation: "Recent facts concerning possible misconduct by certain officials within our brigade prompted us to initiate an internal investigation. A special team consisting of experienced officers has been established to clarify all circumstances and establish all details of any violations." Shvediuk emphasized that the findings of this review will be treated with high responsibility, and if the allegations are confirmed, the genuine perpetrators will face appropriate consequences. "We will not tolerate any abuse or deception, especially when it involves our combat units that defend our country every day," the commander underscored. Another significant aspect of this situation is the brigade’s reorganization: initially formed as an infantry unit, it was restructured into a mechanized brigade during training and combat operations. General Shvediuk noted that after active hostilities began, the brigade directly participated in crucial operations. Representatives of the Western command personally traveled to the front lines to assist with deployment and ensure combat readiness. Between December 2024 and March 2025, OC "Zahid" representatives not only shared experience and conducted training but also supervised operational command to prevent administrative chaos — which can sometimes occur in such complex wartime conditions. The commander pointed out that this approach was necessary due to shortcomings and deficiencies in leadership, which manifested at various levels — notably, due to the unprofessionalism and inexperience of the previous brigade commander. According to Shvediuk, this led to disorganization and delays in responding to rapidly changing combat situations. Consequently, a decision was made to dismiss Colonel Dmytro Rhyushyn, who commanded the unit during this difficult period. "Based on objective findings, we decided to make personnel changes — dismissed the previous commander and began selecting a new leader. Recently, we completed the selection process and approved the candidacy of Colonel Taras Maksimov, who has extensive combat experience and proven professionalism," Shvediuk stated. He stressed that when choosing a new commander, the main criteria were the ability to lead in extreme situations, combat experience, and high moral and psychological qualities. "Colonel Maksimov, who previously served as deputy commander of the 14th Motorized Brigade, meets all these requirements. His candidacy has been coordinated with the command of the Ground Forces and the Ukrainian Armed Forces," the commander of OC "Zahid" added. Shvediuk also voiced a firm stance on accountability: "I share the opinion of the Commander of the Ground Forces, Major General Mykhailo Drahobot — our system leaves no room for lawbreakers or corrupt officials. Everyone understands that serving here is not just a job, but a whole brotherhood in combat, with responsibility for the state and our fellow service members resting on each of us." He emphasized that in such an important structure as the Operational Command "Zahid," it is unacceptable to lower standards of responsibility or engage in personal enrichment. This story also recalls past events that questioned the reputation of some unit commanders. On May 19, "Ukrainska Pravda" published an article titled "Business with 'Combat': Payments and Large-Scale FSS. How the New Command 'Lifts' the 155th Mechanized Brigade from Its Knees," which discussed possible involvement of Brigade Commander Colonel Taras Maksimov in organizing fake "combat" payments and kickbacks. The article also cited over 1,200 recorded instances of system failures in support services since the beginning of 2025 and an increase in complaints about inadequate supply to soldiers. Furthermore, in early May, law enforcement detained the acting commander of the 155th Brigade's UAV battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Svyatoslav Shumskyi, during investigative measures. According to investigators, the officer organized schemes to obtain kickbacks from subordinates for fictitious allowances for participating in combat — known as "kickbacks." He was remanded in custody, with the court setting a pretrial restriction of 60 days with a bail sum of record-high 49 million hryvnias. All of this paints a picture of the internal processes within Ukraine's military structures, where combating corruption, abuse, and negligence has become a priority. Military leaders assure that any confirmed facts of misconduct will be severely punished. The war demands the highest level of professionalism and honesty from everyone — from ordinary soldiers to commanders. Overall, the situation in the 155th Brigade exemplifies how war and its challenges push Ukrainian military leadership to act swiftly and decisively, cleansing ranks of abuses and corrupt officials. It demonstrates that, regardless of the difficulties, a reliable and transparent management system, supported by strict accountability, is fundamental to victory.