**Ukrainian Commander Faces Trial for Failing to Stop Torture within His Unit**
A shocking case of torture and abuse has come to light in Ukraine’s military, with a senior commander facing trial for failing to stop the crimes. Colonel Oleh Poberezhniuk, commander of the 211th Pontoon Bridge Brigade, is accused of knowingly allowing his subordinate officer, Vladyslav Pastukh, to carry out repeated instances of torture and cruel treatment on fellow soldiers.
According to investigators, from February to July 2024, Poberezhniuk was aware of Pastukh’s brutal behavior but failed to take any action. The subordinate officer allegedly beat, humiliated, and tortured his colleagues. What’s more disturbing is that Pastukh is the son of the brigade’s chief of staff and a close associate of Poberezhniuk, which likely influenced the commander’s decision to conceal the crimes.
**Personal Connection to the Crimes**
The investigation reveals that Poberezhniuk’s personal connection to Pastukh may have played a significant role in his failure to act. The fact that the subordinate officer was related to the brigade’s chief of staff and close to the commander himself, suggests that there was a culture of impunity within the unit.
“This case highlights the devastating consequences of corruption and nepotism within Ukraine’s military,” said a spokesperson for the State Bureau of Investigation. “Instead of protecting the rights of his subordinates, the commander effectively became complicit through criminal inaction, enabling further abuse.”
**Charges and Potential Consequences**
Poberezhniuk has been charged with inaction of military authority under martial law, a serious offense under Ukraine’s Criminal Code. If convicted, he could face up to 12 years in prison.
The case has sparked public outcry, with many calling for accountability within the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The Prosecutor General’s Office is overseeing the case, and Poberezhniuk will soon be presented with the charges.
**A Systemic Problem**
This case is not an isolated incident, but rather a symptom of a larger problem within Ukraine’s military. A previous investigation by Ukrainska Pravda revealed a pattern of systemic abuse within the brigade, including beatings, extortion, and reports of a soldier being tied to a wooden cross.
The report also highlighted widespread nepotism, with multiple family members serving within the same unit. The commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, suspended Poberezhniuk following public outcry, but it remains to be seen whether justice will be served in this case.
**A Call for Accountability**
As Ukraine continues to face numerous challenges on the battlefield, it’s imperative that its military leaders prioritize accountability and transparency. The country cannot afford to have commanders who turn a blind eye to abuse within their units.
The trial of Colonel Poberezhniuk is a crucial test of Ukraine’s commitment to justice and human rights. Will the country’s leaders ensure that those responsible for abuse are held accountable, or will they continue to prioritize loyalty over justice?
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