The Ukrainian Bureau of Investigation (DBR) announced, this Monday, January 20, the arrest of two generals and an army colonel whose “inaction” and “negligence” had “allowed” Russia to to occupy part of the Kharkiv region (north-east) in May 2024.
Russia, which launched the invasion of Ukraine three years ago, also began a surprise offensive across the border in the Kharkiv region in early May 2024. Although the Ukrainian army managed to stop it, it was unable to retake this area where Russian strikes razed several localities and led to the flight of tens of thousands of civilians.
Among the imprisoned soldiers are a former commander of the Kharkiv battle group, the former commander of the 125th territorial defense brigade and the former commander of a battalion.
Up to 10 years in prison
Their “negligent attitude” had allowed Russia to penetrate up to 10 kilometers deep into Ukraine, which lost control of part of its border, the DBR said in a statement. “The actions of the commanders resulted in the loss of personnel and weapons and failed the defense of the state border in their area of responsibility,” he continued.
The senior officers are notably accused of having poorly coordinated the defense of this sector, of not having organized artillery and aviation support and of not having prepared the fortifications, according to the DBR press release. The ex-battalion commander is separately suspected of having deserted the battlefield, the DBR added. The men risk up to 10 years in prison, according to the same source.