**Ukrainian Drone Brigade Distances Itself from Ex-Volunteer Commander’s Criticism**
In a statement released on June 17, Ukraine’s 59th Brigade of the Unmanned Systems Forces has distanced itself from criticism made by former volunteer commander Ryan O’Leary. The brigade’s decision comes after O’Leary publicly criticized leadership failures within Ukraine’s Armed Forces, accusing commanders of prioritizing personal power over troop welfare.
O’Leary, an American volunteer and former commander of the Chosen Company, had said on June 14 that mismanagement within the military was responsible for “more deaths.” He also accused commanders of being more concerned with their own power than the well-being of troops. The comments were made on social media platform X.
The Chosen Company, which has members from over 31 countries, was originally formed as the 312 Swedish Volunteer Company at the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. O’Leary took command after the unit’s first commander, Swedish veteran Edvard Selander Patrignani, was killed in action in July 2022.
O’Leary accused the former commander of the 59th Brigade, Lieutenant Colonel Bohdan Shevchuk, of sending intelligence officers into reckless assaults, resulting in avoidable casualties. It was recently reported that Shevchuk had been removed from command after being accused of submitting false reports.
In response to O’Leary’s criticism, the 59th Brigade stated that he no longer has access to current information about the unit’s operations and cannot speak on its behalf. The brigade emphasized that soldiers continue to perform combat missions under challenging conditions and “maintain high efficiency and effectiveness.”
O’Leary had previously announced the disbandment of the Chosen Company, citing reasons related to Shevchuk’s leadership. However, he said he would wait until his contract officially ended before discussing details.
**What This Means**
The 59th Brigade’s statement is a clear attempt to distance itself from O’Leary’s criticism and maintain a positive image. The brigade’s emphasis on maintaining high efficiency and effectiveness despite challenging conditions suggests that they are trying to reassure the public that they are capable of performing their duties effectively.
However, O’Leary’s comments highlight deeper issues within Ukraine’s Armed Forces, including leadership failures and prioritization of personal power over troop welfare. These concerns may have serious implications for the effectiveness and efficiency of the military in the long run.
**Analysis**
The situation highlights the complexities and challenges faced by volunteer groups like the Chosen Company, which operate under different rules and command structures than regular military units. The brigade’s decision to distance itself from O’Leary’s criticism suggests that they are trying to maintain a unified front despite internal conflicts.
However, it also raises questions about the accountability of commanders within Ukraine’s Armed Forces. If leaders like Shevchuk can be accused of submitting false reports and putting troops in harm’s way without consequences, then it is unclear how effective the military will be in achieving its goals.
**Conclusion**
The 59th Brigade’s statement is a clear attempt to defuse O’Leary’s criticism and maintain a positive image. However, it also highlights deeper issues within Ukraine’s Armed Forces that need to be addressed. As the conflict continues, it is essential for leaders to prioritize troop welfare and effectiveness over personal power and interests.
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