The State Bureau of Investigation has completed the investigation regarding the commander of the 211th Pontoon Bridge Brigade, who remained silent about torture and abuse committed by military personnel
The State Bureau of Investigation has concluded an extensive pre-trial investigation related to the activities of Oleg Poberezhnyuk, the former commander of the 211th Pontoon Bridge Brigade of the Support Force of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The official focus is on establishing the circumstances of the inaction of military leadership representatives in situations of systemic humiliation and torture inflicted on subordinate servicemen by this military unit. Law enforcement sources report that the investigation obtained sufficient evidence indicating that the commander was aware of the horrific abuses but deliberately remained silent, failing to take any measures to stop the violence. According to investigators, from February to July 2024, Oleg Poberezhnyuk had reliable information that a senior lieutenant of the same brigade systematically used physical violence, degrading words, and deprived servicemen of their dignity and freedom. It is known that this officer was the son of the brigade’s chief of staff, who, in turn, was a close associate of the commanding officer of the unit—circumstances that likely influenced his silence and avoidance of reaction. Investigators emphasize that the commander did not take any action to halt the rights violations of military personnel and, to the contrary, became an accomplice in criminal inaction, acting more as a security observer in many crimes rather than a military leader. His lack of response creates a serious threat to internal discipline within the Armed Forces during wartime, where trust and discipline are of particular importance. Under Ukrainian criminal law, the former commander is charged with abuse of official position during wartime—Article 426, Part 4 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Criminal proceedings have already been opened, providing access to the full set of evidence and envisaging further referral of the indictment to court. Currently, Oleg Poberezhnyuk is in custody, and the case has been transferred to court at his own request and initiative. The background of this high-profile case began in late 2024. On December 16, "Ukrainska Pravda" published the results of an investigation that uncovered systemic abuse, extortion, corruption schemes, and nepotistic corruption networks within the 211th Pontoon Bridge Brigade of the Support Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This prompted widespread public resonance, and law enforcement initiated a massive investigation. On December 17, criminal proceedings were opened regarding the unlawful influence, torture, and abuse applied by officials of the brigade against personnel. The commander of this military unit, Oleg Poberezhnyuk, was informed of suspicion of abuse of official position. By December 19, the Ternopil court changed his preventive measure and set a bail of approximately one million hryvnias, which he quickly paid to be released from detention. However, this did not stop further investigative actions: on December 29, the DBI detained him again and charged him with inaction of military leadership regarding abuses and torture of service members. The following day, the Pechersky District Court of Kyiv chose a detention measure, setting bail at over 12 million hryvnias. Regarding exclusive details, the investigation into abuse and coercion within the 211th Brigade continues, with increased focus on internal networks, corruption schemes, and nepotism. It is important to note that this case has become a kind of litmus test for compliance with legal standards within Ukrainian military structures, especially during wartime when discipline and trust in the command are paramount. Finally, it should be emphasized that the adjudication of criminal cases and their trial will be a crucial step in combating military corruption and abuse. Investigations into other potential figures involved in events within this unit are also ongoing, demonstrating the seriousness and systemic nature of law enforcement efforts to address internal violations and crimes within the Ukrainian Armed Forces.