**Ukraine’s Elite Brigade Hit by Fresh Corruption Scandal**
The Ukrainian military is facing another embarrassment as the commander of its elite 155th “Anne of Kyiv” Brigade has ordered an investigation into alleged misconduct within the unit. The move comes after a media investigation revealed that the brigade’s commander, Colonel Taras Maksimov, may have been involved in handing out falsified bonus payments and demanding bribes from his subordinates.
The scandal-hit brigade was trained and equipped with assistance from France and other foreign partners as part of Ukraine’s military modernization efforts. However, it has faced challenges since its inception, including widespread mismanagement and desertion among its personnel. In 2024, a media investigation uncovered rampant corruption and led to an inspection and a change in command.
The latest controversy centers around Lieutenant Colonel Sviatoslav Shumsky, the acting commander of the unmanned systems battalion of the 155th Brigade. According to investigators, Shumsky demanded bribes from his subordinates to grant them falsified bonuses for allegedly participating in combat on the front line. Sources within the brigade claim that Shumsky was merely an intermediary between service members and the command, and that similar schemes likely operate in other battalions.
The investigation is ongoing, but it has already led to the detention of Shumsky. The 155th Brigade’s commander, Colonel Taras Maksimov, may also face disciplinary action if found guilty of wrongdoing.
**A History of Misconduct**
The 155th Brigade has a troubled history, with reports of widespread mismanagement and desertion among its personnel dating back to 2024. An investigation by Yurii Butusov, editor-in-chief of Censor.net, revealed that over 1,700 soldiers abandoned their posts between March and November 2024, while an additional 50 deserted while training in France.
The brigade’s poor performance was attributed to a lack of proper selection processes, which led to inexperienced recruits being sent to the front lines. The situation was exacerbated by the departure of experienced personnel, including 2,500 service members who were reassigned to other units before training began.
**A Command Change**
In response to the latest scandal, Ground Forces Commander Mykhailo Drapatyi has ordered an inspection into the brigade’s command. In a written statement, Drapatyi emphasized that he would not cover for anyone involved in wrongdoing and promised severe punishment for those found guilty.
The investigation is being carried out by the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR), with Drapatyi urging everyone involved in extortion schemes to come forward. The commander’s move has been welcomed by critics who have long called for greater accountability within Ukraine’s military.
**A Question of Accountability**
The latest scandal raises questions about accountability within Ukraine’s military, particularly at a time when the country is engaged in a brutal war with Russia. While the 155th Brigade was trained and equipped with assistance from foreign partners, its poor performance has been attributed to a lack of proper selection processes and inadequate leadership.
As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen whether those found guilty will face severe punishment or if they will be allowed to slip through the cracks once again. One thing is certain, however: the Ukrainian military needs to take concrete steps to address its accountability issues if it hopes to build a more effective fighting force.
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