SBU detains generals for the failure of defense in Kharkiv region in 2024.

Detained generals and colonel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for the failure of defense in Kharkiv region in 2024

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the State Bureau of Investigations (DBR) have detained two generals and a colonel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for the failure of defense in the Kharkiv region in 2024. This was reported by the press service of the DBR.

According to the investigation, the actions of the commanders led to the capture of part of the Kharkiv region by Russian occupiers. The commanders did not pay enough attention to service and did not organize the protection of the state border, which allowed Russian troops to penetrate Ukrainian territory.

'Former commanders of the operational-tactical group 'Kharkiv', the 125th separate territorial defense brigade and the 415th separate rifle battalion of the 23rd separate mechanized brigade allowed the Russian Federation troops with their careless attitude towards military service.'

According to the DBR, generals and the colonel did not take effective measures for defense, did not control the preparation and actions of the troops, ignored the command orders, and allowed losses of personnel and weapons. They also failed to provide fire support and interaction with other units.

Agents of the SBU and DBR detained two generals and a colonel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for the failure of defense in the Kharkiv region in 2024. This was reported by the press service of the DBR. As a result of the commanders' negligent behavior, the Russian occupiers were able to capture part of the Kharkiv region in May 2024. 'Former commanders of the operational-tactical group 'Kharkiv', the 125th separate territorial defense brigade and the 415th separate rifle battalion of the 23rd separate mechanized brigade allowed the Russian Federation troops with their careless attitude towards military service,' the message states.

According to the DBR, the generals and colonels allowed losses of personnel and weapons and disrupted defense measures for the state border in their area of responsibility.

The brigadier general, who determined the defense positions for the 125th separate territorial defense brigade, made a mistake by not paying enough attention to the combat capabilities of the brigade. Moreover, he made several other mistakes, including insufficient preparation and control of actions, as well as failure to maneuver and organize artillery and air support.

The former commander of the 125th separate territorial defense brigade underestimated the enemy’s capabilities and had an insufficient response to their actions. In addition, he did not ensure the arrangement of combat security positions and did not take measures to equip the brigade and organize checkpoints.

The former commander of the 415th separate rifle battalion also did not organize combat defense in the localities that were in his area of responsibility. He did not designate locations for checkpoints and did not ensure protection against underground mines.

According to the investigation, the actions of these commanders allowed Russian troops to penetrate Ukrainian territory and seize battalion positions, leading to a loss of control over part of the territory and the functional capacity of military units.

After the detainees are delivered to Kyiv, they will be informed of the suspicion of negligent service in conditions of martial law. The former commander of the 415th separate rifle battalion will also be informed of the suspicion of desertion from the battlefield.

For these crimes, the offenders face up to 10 years in prison.