**Ukraine’s Liut Brigade Commander Dies in Car Crash**
Colonel Maksym Kazban, the commander of Ukraine’s elite “Liut” (Fury) Assault Brigade of the National Police, has been killed in a car crash in Donetsk Oblast. The news was reported by Ukraine’s National Police on July 22.
**A Veteran Officer and Commander**
Kazban was a veteran officer who led a unique front-line formation made up of Ukraine’s elite police forces. The Liut Brigade, officially known as the United Assault Brigade of the National Police, was created in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion and has taken part in some of the war’s fiercest battles.
**Leaders Pay Tribute**
The head of Ukraine’s National Police, Ivan Vyhivskyi, called Kazban’s death an “irreparable loss” and described him as a man of honor and courage. President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed condolences over Kazban’s passing in his evening address, saying Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko had reported the circumstances of the commander’s death.
“It’s a painful loss,” Zelensky said. “He was a strong warrior, devoted to Ukraine and its defense.”
**A Military Career**
According to the Liut Brigade, Kazban began his military career with the 79th Air Assault Brigade, taking part in key battles during Russia’s initial invasion of eastern Ukraine. He later joined the “A” Special Operations Center of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), where he participated in numerous combat missions against Russian proxy forces in eastern Ukraine.
Kazban played a leading role in a special operation near Chornobaivka in Kherson Oblast in 2022 that caused significant losses to Russian forces. He became the first deputy commander of the Liut Brigade after the outbreak of the full-scale war in July 2023 and was appointed Liut commander in September 2024.
**Awards and Recognition**
Kazban received numerous awards for his service, including the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi (2nd and 3rd class), the Medal “For Military Service to Ukraine,” the SBU Badge “For Bravery,” and the Commander-in-Chief’s “Steel Cross.” He was also twice awarded honorary firearms.
**A Statement from the Liut Brigade**
“The commander had received numerous awards for his service, including the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi (2nd and 3rd class), the Medal “For Military Service to Ukraine,” the SBU Badge “For Bravery,” and the Commander-in-Chief’s “Steel Cross.” He was also twice awarded honorary firearms.
“Maksym Kazban was a model officer, a man of honor, an indomitable commander who led, took responsibility, and was always there for his men — both on the battlefield and in life,” the brigade said in a statement. “He earned respect, trust, and admiration. His loss is deeply felt across the entire Liut family.”
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