Currently, there is an intense debate within Ukraine’s Western operational command regarding the situation in the 155th Separate Mechanized Brigade
The discussion focuses, in particular, on the possible involvement of its command in financial abuses related to so-called "combat" payments. Officially, the commander of the "West" Operational Command, Major General Volodymyr Shvedyuk, states that the results of an official investigation did not confirm the involvement of the brigade's leadership, including Brigade Commander Taras Maksimov, in illegal financial schemes linked to fictitious "combat" payouts. At the same time, among servicemen there exists a different view, with many asserting that they have already reported to the "West" Operational Command about the potential involvement of high-ranking officials in this corruption scheme. In response to a request from "Ukrainska Pravda," the command of the "West" Operational Command emphasizes that during the service investigation, evidence of gross violations in the financial and administrative operations of the Drone Systems Battalion (DSB) was collected, particularly regarding personnel records and financial transactions. According to Shvedyuk, due to a lack of proper oversight and monitoring systems, significant errors occurred in the unit's work, resulting in the brigade's leadership, including its commander, being disciplined. It is known that materials from the service investigation submitted by servicemen were forwarded to the National Bureau of Investigation (DBR) on June 2. As of June 19, law enforcement authorities continue investigative actions to determine the scope and details of criminal schemes related to fictitious "combat" payments within this brigade. Shvedyuk notes that the leadership of the "West" Operational Command is concerned about violations in internal financial management and record-keeping of military personnel, as well as deficiencies in interaction with law enforcement agencies. They await the final conclusions from the DBR to make further decisions. At the same time, sources within the military have reported that there has been ongoing information about the involvement of high-ranking officials in extorting money under the guise of "fees" for participation in hostilities — even from battalion commanders and other responsible persons. In May of this year, a significant event occurred in the security domain: Acting Commander of the 155th Brigade's Drone Systems Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Sviatoslav Shumskyi, was detained by law enforcement on suspicion of extorting and receiving "kickbacks" during the issuance of fictitious allowances to his subordinates — supposedly for their participation in combat. According to investigators, the officer demanded money from soldiers, citing "allowances" and "collection" of part of their earnings for himself. His detention was carried out under a court order — he was placed under custody for 60 days with the possibility of bail set at 49 million hryvnias. Following the publication of "Ukrainska Pravda"'s article titled "Business on 'combat' payments and mass SZA. How the new command is raising the 155th from the ground," the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of Ukraine initiated an additional review of the brigade. At that time, the Chief Commander — General Mykhailo Drapaty — ordered an presidential investigation into the state of affairs in the 155th Mechanized Brigade, with particular attention to potential abuses and corruption schemes. Moreover, military personnel are critically opposed to shadow schemes that have existed systematically and remain under investigation. Recall that in May, law enforcement detained Lieutenant Colonel Sviatoslav Shumskyi, who was temporarily acting as commander of the Drone Systems Battalion of the same brigade. At that time, the officer was demanding bribes from subordinates — allegedly for additional "allowances" for participating in combat operations. His detention became a resonant event, highlighting the scale of problems in the defense system, particularly regarding financial misconduct and corruption. Meanwhile, the military leadership emphasizes that the situation is being investigated separately and comprehensively, with materials transferred to law enforcement agencies for final conclusions. The courts and investigative bodies continue their work in this direction, aiming to identify all responsible individuals and prevent similar abuses in the future, as security and public trust in the army remain key priorities of Ukraine's national defense.