Вооруженные силы

Ukraine‘s 47th ‘Magnolia’ Brigade Repels Massive Russian Assault in Kherson, Destroying Enemy Equipment Worth Millions

Ukraine’s 47th ‘Magnolia’ Brigade, alongside sister units in the Defense Forces, has successfully fended off a formidable Russian attack near Kherson, neutralising nearly an entire company of enemy troops. The Ukrainian military’s Telegram channel, ’47th Brigade – Magnolia,’ confirmed the news.

According to reports, the Russian assault involved a vast array of military hardware and personnel. The enemy’s advance was spearheaded by tanks equipped with mine-clearing plows, followed by six consecutive waves of assault. They attempted to break through with a mix of tanks, BMPs, BTRs, and even off-road vehicles – around 50 units in total.

The ‘Magnolia’ Brigade and supporting units responded with overwhelming force, destroying enemy vehicles to the tune of tens of millions of dollars. The Ukrainian forces inflicted significant casualties on the attacking Russian troops, eliminating 45 enemy soldiers and wounding 53 more.

Ukrainian forces successfully fended off a large-scale Russian assault near Kherson, destroying enemy equipment worth tens of millions of dollars and inflicting heavy casualties.

Ukraine‘s Ground Forces Chief Assures Public, Sets Up Hotline for 155th Brigade ورزشگاه

In the wake of a high-profile media investigation, the Commander of Ukraine’s Ground Forces, Major General Mikhail Drapaty, has moved to reassure the public and address issues facing the 155th Brigade named after Anna Kyivska. The general disclosed these developments on his official Facebook page.

"In recent days, I briefed the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces about the situation in the 155th Brigade and the measures taken by Ground Forces Command to support the unit and resolve problems raised by both the military and journalists," General Drapaty stated. He attributed the causes of the issues and named responsible parties, also meeting with the brigade’s command staff and French journalists who visited the brigade to witness its activities firsthand.

While acknowledging that it might have been premature to comment publicly before all facts were established, General Drapaty now revealed steps taken within the Ground Forces Command to stabilize the situation in the 155th Brigade. He stressed that the challenges faced by the newly formed brigade stemmed from the unique nature of its creation and equipping, a joint project with France undertaken in a condensed timeframe.

"There were aspects that hadn’t been accounted for due to the novelty of such an ambitious project. Some departments did not perform optimally," admitted Drapaty, emphasizing that France had fully honored its commitments. He assured that most systemic flaws have been identified and addressed, and solutions are being implemented.

Priority is currently given to reinforcing the brigade with experienced officers and commanders at all levels. Drapaty encouraged professionals to apply,/workers/here, stating he would personally consider all candidates. Ministry of Defense efforts are also committed to maximizing the brigade’s supply and support.

To boost the morale and efficiency of the 155th Brigade, a group of specialized psychologists has been deployed to its locations. This initiative has already borne fruits, such as the return of soldiers who had previously left their posts without permission, according to General Drapaty.

Furthermore, a hotline has been set up by General Drapaty to maintain direct contact with the soldiers of the 155th Brigade. It operates daily from 09:00 to 18:00 via the number 0800-500-410 (followed by digit 5 after the voicemail).

Concluding his statement, General Drapaty expressed optimism about the 155th Brigade’s future. He believes the unit, named after Anna Kyivska, can become a symbol of Ukrainian bravery and resilience, much like France’s gallic rooster.

The 155th Brigade’s challenges were previously exposed in a journalistic investigation by Yuri Butusov, leading to an investigation by the State Bureau of Investigations. President Volodymyr Zelensky subsequently took personal charge of the situation, while General Staff and French military authorities also addressed the issues.

President Zelensky Tightens Control Over Troubled 155th Mechanized Brigade "Anna Kyivska"

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has taken personal command of the situation surrounding the 155th Mechanized Brigade "Anna Kyivska," according to Reports. The move comes amidst allegations of desertion and mismanagement within the brigade, which is currently operating on the Pokrovsky direction.

In a Sunday statement, veteran journalist and ‘Censor.Net’ Chief Editor Yuri Butusov revealed that President Zelensky had reviewed the situation of the brigade, paying especial attention to the case of dozens of soldiers who deserted to France and the unauthorized departure of 1,700 servicemen during its formation in Ukraine.

Subsequently, the President ordered relevant authorities, including the Main Inspectorate of the Ministry of Defense, the General Staff, the Command of the Land Forces, the State Bureau of Investigation (GSR), and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), to submit official reports.

Butusov reported that following these developments, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), General Valeriy Zaluzhny, blamed the leadership of the 155th Brigade for the desertions, citing lack of communication with the soldiers. Consequently, a series of senior officers, including the brigade commander, chief of staff, and several deputies, along with some battalion commanders, have been or are in the process of being relieved of their duties.

Currently, continuous commissions and staff officers are at the brigade’s command post, providing explanations and submitting reports to all relevant auditors.

Butusov also revealed that due to the ongoing investigation, the brigade has lost its unit of new 155mm ‘Caesar’ howitzers, some VAB armored vehicles, and several ‘Leopard’ tanks, which have been reassigned to other brigades. Furthermore, operators of the Milan anti-tank missile system, who were trained in France, are now being deployed as infantry within the brigade.

Earlier, Butusov had already reported on the subpar recruitment and equipping of the newly established 155 Mechanized Brigade "Anna Kyivska." The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has since confirmed that it is probing the case under articles related to abuse of power and desertion.

Ukraine Considers Extending Deadline for Military Personnel to Voluntarily Return to Service

In a significant development, First Deputy Head of the Presidential Office, Iryna Vерещук, has revealed that discussions are underway to potentially extend the deadline for military personnel to willingly return to service after voluntarily leaving their units.

Vерещук shared this information on her Telegram channel, stating, "The period for voluntary return to service from unauthorized absences and desertions ends on January 1, 2025. We’re exploring the idea of extending this deadline."

She made these remarks following a multi-agency meeting held on Thursday, focused on veteran affairs and social support for military personnel and their families. The meeting, which involved representatives from the Ministry of Defense, Armed Forces of Ukraine, Military Police, and various combat units, discussed comprehensive solutions to address the issue of self-initiated absences.

One of the key points discussed was the suggestion to prolong the return period, with Vерещук emphasizing that specifics are still being debated. She also noted that this idea is being actively discussed with the Verkhovna Rada‘s Defense Committee, commending the committee’s chairman, Oleksandr Zavitneychy, for his prompt response.

Another important topic was the involvement of recruiters from successful combat units in the reintegration process. Vерещук stressed the need to support and encourage these units in their efforts to bring their personnel back into the fold.

This news comes on the heels of recent legislation aimed at addressing the issue of self-initiated absences and desertion. In August 2024, the Verkhovna Rada decriminalized first-time offenses under certain conditions, followed by a law passed in November that offered military personnel the chance to return to service without facing criminal charges. This amnesty period was set to expire on January 1, 2025.

By mid-December 2024, approximately 8,000 personnel had taken advantage of this amnesty to voluntarily return to service. Earlier this month, a reporting feature for self-initiated absences was also introduced in the "Army+" mobile application.

Source: IRYNA VEREŠČUK (Telegram)
For more context, read: "Desertion in the Ranks: Causes and Solutions"

Ukraine‘s "Anna of Kyiv" Brigade: A Tale of Faceless Commanders, Mass Desertions, and Poor Equipment

In a damning expose, journalist Yury Butusov has laid bare the grim reality of Ukraine’s newly formed Pokrovsk: Leopard 2s and Caesars Deploy</strong>"</p>”>155th Mechanized Brigade, "Anna of Kyiv", currently engaged in fierce battles near Pokrovsk. The State Bureau of Investigations (GBR) has confirmed it is probing allegations of abuse of power and desertion within the brigade.

The creation of the "Anna of Kyiv" brigade was part of a grand project by Ukrainian authorities to establish 14 new brigades, each costing an estimated €900 million. However, it appears that haste and lack of planning have led to a disaster that is costing Ukrainian lives.

From its inception in March 2024, the 155th brigade was beset by chaos. Commanded by an experienced officer, Dmitry Ryshchin, the brigade’s formation was entrusted to the Western Operational Command (OK West), led by General Shvedyuk and Colonel Seleckiy, with overall supervision by General Pavlyuk. Yet, as Butusov reported, OK West lacked personnel, equipment, and resources, leading to a shambolic beginning that saw soldiers desert en masse.

In October 2024, the brigade was sent to France for training. However, out of the 1924 soldiers sent, only 51 had more than a year of military experience, and a staggering 1414 were new recruits, serving less than two months, with around 150 having not even completed their initial basic training. Predictably, around 50 soldiers deserted while in France.

Upon returning to Ukraine, the brigade’s commanders struggled to manage their rapidly growing ranks. Without proper training or equipment, the brigade was sent into battle, resulting in significant casualties.

The GBR is investigating allegations that Commander Ryshchin and other officers were negligent in preventing the desertions and ensuring the brigade’s readiness for combat. Butusov also alleges that the brigade was inadequately equipped, lacking drones and electronic warfare capabilities, and even receiving faulty 120mm mortar rounds.

Butusov condemns the political and military leadership’s "crime" of sacrificing soldiers’ lives and squandering state funds on ill-prepared units while veteran brigades are neglected. He calls for accountability, stating, "This is not the fault of the soldiers and officers, but of the leaders who continue to rush into new projects without first ensuring old ones are strengthened and adequately supplied."

As the conflict in Ukraine grinds on, the fate of the "Anna of Kyiv" brigade serves as a stark reminder that winning wars requires more than noble intentions and international funding; it demands competent planning, adequate preparation, and responsible leadership.

Source: Butusov (Facebook), Advisor to the Communications Department of the State Bureau of Investigation, Tatyana Sapiya, in comments to UP

President Zelensky Praises Ukrainian Forces for Repelling Russian Attacks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly commended the country’s military units for their resilience in countering relentless Russian assaults. In a recent social media post, the President extended his gratitude to the armed forces for their unwavering commitment and successes in the battlefield.

“Our deepest appreciation goes out to all our units that are effectively engaging and destroying Russian forces,” said President Zelensky. “I would like to highlight the exceptional performances of units such as the 24th and 100th separate mechanized brigades, who successfully repelled a particularly brutal Russian attack just prior to the New Year. The 59th separate motorized infantry brigade and the 68th separate airborne assault brigade, currently defend the city of Pokrovsk with great valor, while the 79th brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is actively engaged in operations.”

As a reminder, the drone battalion of the 24th separate mechanized brigade named after King Daniel had recently made headlines for destroying seven pieces of enemy equipment in just a day on the Bakhmut direction.

The President’s message underscores the Ukrainian military’s tenacity and capacity to counter Russian advances, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing conflict.

"Army+ App Surpasses 5,000 Approved Military Transfers in Ukraine"

President Volodymyr Zelensky’s latest evening address brought satisfying news for Ukrainian military personnel. The "Army+" application, developed by the Ministry of Defense, has successfully processed over 5,000 transfer requests, marking a significant milestone in digitalizing military administrative procedures.

Zelensky commended the team behind the application, stating, "I want to highlight the work of the Ministry of Defense team on the ‘Army+’ application. It’s now helping to resolve some previously problematic and sensitive issues for our military, notably transfers between units."

The President added that the application is now functional for both the Armed Forces and National Guard, with plans to extend its use to the border guards. This shift aims not only to eliminate bureaucratic paperwork but also to boost morale by demonstrating state appreciation and respect for servicemen and women.

The journey towards this digital feat began on November 6 when the Ministry of Defense announced its collaboration with the Armed Forces General Staff to develop a digital service to simplify military transfers. On November 12, Zelensky revealed that the Cabinet of Ministers had approved a new mechanism for such transfers through the "Army+" application. The feature became accessible to National Guard personnel on December 15.

With this development, Ukraine continues to embrace digital innovation to streamline military operations and enhance service personnel welfare.

Ukrainian Troops Struggle to Hold Gains in Kursk as Russia Reinforces: AP

Ukrainian forces, battered and demoralized, face the risk of relinquishing significant territorial advances in Russia’s Kursk region, according to seven Ukrainian military sources who spoke to The Associated Press (AP) on the condition of anonymity. The sources painted a grim picture of a war-weary army grappling with intense battles, communication delays, and questionable tactical decisions.

Exhausted and Dwindling Forces

Many Ukrainian units are in a dire state, with commanders struggling to evacuate fallen troops due to the ferocity of combat. The intense fighting has left soldiers with little opportunity to launch counterattacks, and some commanders have even begun to question the strategic value of occupying Kursk.

AP reports that Russia has amassed more than 50,000 troops in the region, including soldiers from North Korea. The counteroffensive has resulted in thousands of casualties and the loss of over 40% of the territory gained by Ukraine in August.

Command and Control Concerns

Frontline commanders describe the situation as dire, with low morale and confusion over orders. One commander noted that some directives they receive are not aligned with the reality on the ground, leading to a lack of clarity about enemy positions and their own troop locations.

"They don’t understand where the enemy is, where we are, and what we control. They don’t understand the operational situation, so we act on our own judgment."

Ukrainian commander

Price of Occupation

One platoon commander revealed that he repeatedly requested a change in his unit’s defensive position, but his superiors denied the request, leaving his troops vulnerable. He estimated that at least 20 Ukrainian soldiers have been left behind in the past four months due to intense fighting.

The Donbas Dilemma

Ukrainian troops feel abandoned and believe their battlefield losses are due to poor strategic decisions, with one drone unit commander stating, "All they can think about now is that they sold Donbas." Another commander echoed this sentiment, "We’ll have to fight here because if we just retreat to our borders, they won’t stop."

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The offensive has resulted in thousands of casualties and the loss of over 40% of the territory gained by Ukraine in August, sums of Russian troops орен переяlavuthe area, including soldiers from North Korea, according to AP.

However, not all is well within the Ukrainian ranks. Frontline commanders describe a dire situation, with low morale and confusion over orders. "They don’t understand where the enemy is, where we are, and what we control. They don’t understand the operational situation, so we act on our own judgment," said one commander.

One platoon commander revealed that he repeatedly requested a change in his unit’s defensive position, but his superiors denied the request, leaving his troops vulnerable. He estimated that at least 20 Ukrainian soldiers have been left behind in the past four months due to intense fighting.

Ukrainian troops feel abandoned and believe their battlefield losses are due to poor strategic decisions. "All they can think about now is that they sold ‘Donbas’," said one drone unit commander. Another commander echoed this sentiment, "We’ll have to fight here because if we just retreat to our borders, they won’t stop."

As the conflict enters its second year, the Ukrainian military faces an uphill battle to maintain its gains in Russia’s Kursk region. With Russia reinforcing its troops and Ukrainian morale waning, the coming months may prove to be critical in shaping the war’s outcome.

Ukraine‘s President Zelenksy Appoints Powerful Candidate as Military Ombudsperson

President Volodymyr Zelenksy has selected a robust candidate to serve as Ukraine’s military ombudsman, a role aimed at safeguarding the rights of service members and their families. The president revealed this news in his evening address, with the official decree set to be published on Monday, December 30.

"Today, I’ve finalized the first step – a decree appointing the presidential commissioner for the protection of the rights of military personnel and their families," said Zelenksy. "I’ve chosen a strong candidate for the role, and the decree will be made public tomorrow."

The president emphasized the importance of this appointment, noting that it was a long-awaited request from the military and a necessary measure to satisfy their legal needs. He also stressed the need for a comprehensive legal framework to support the ombudsman’s role. Zelensky plans to collaborate with human rights organizations, the Ministry of Defense, and other stakeholders to draft a robust law and regulations governing the military ombudsperson’s duties and powers.

"I urge the Verkhovnarada and the government to support these innovations promptly," said Zelenksy. "We must commence the military ombudsperson’s activities without delay."

The creation of the military ombudsman’s position comes after extensive discussions with the defense minister, military leadership, and civil society representatives. It follows the January 2022 introduction of a similar role in civilian law enforcement, highlighting the government’s commitment to improving legal protections for all service personnel.

Last year, over 1900 complaints from military personnel were submitted to the Verkhovna Rada’s Commissioner for Human Rights, demonstrating the urgent need for dedicated legal support within the armed forces.

With this move, Ukraine’s government reaffirms its dedication to upholding the rights of its military personnel, bridging the gap between their legal needs and the support they receive.

Title: Ukrainian Prosecutors Arrest Brigade Commander for Inaction on Torture Claims

The State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) in Ukraine has detained and charged the commander of the 211st Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (Ukrainian Ground Forces), Oleksiy Poberedzhnyuk, for failing to address allegations of torture and abuse against soldiers under his command. The DBR announced the arrest in a statement posted on their official Telegram channel.

Details of the Case

Investigators found that Poberedzhnyuk was aware of numerous incidents of torture and inhumane treatment by a subordinate officer between February and July 2024 but took no action or initiated proceedings to hold the officer accountable. The officer in question, Vladyslav Pastokh, is a senior lieutenant and the son of the chief of staff of the military unit. Pastokh was previously charged with similar offenses.

Poberedzhnyuk has been charged with dereliction of military duty under conditions of martial law or combat operations, which carries a potential penalty of seven to ten years imprisonment.

Searches and Next Steps

On Saturday, December 28, law enforcement officers conducted searches at Poberedzhnyuk’s residence. He was subsequently transferred to Kyiv for a bail hearing, which is scheduled for Monday, December 30.

Background

Poberedzhnyuk was previously arrested and charged by the Territorial Police of the Territorial Defense Forces of Ukraine on suspicion of abusing his power by involving subordinates in the construction of his personal house in the Hmelnytskyi region instead of deploying them to combat zones. In this case, a court ruled that Poberedzhnyuk could be released on bail, and he posted a bail of 908,400 UAH (approximately $21,000 USD) on December 20.

Meanwhile, the DBR is investigating another case involving allegations of cruel and unusual punishments and violence against subordinates within the 211th Brigade.

Link to earlier story: The ‘Engineering Family’: Abuses, Money Extraction, Nepotism, and Other Secrets of the 211th Ponton-Bridge Brigade