Some 28 Ukrainian commanders are facing a criminal investigation over alleged military failures at the outset of Russia’s recent offensive near Kharkiv, Ukrainian media reported on Saturday.
The State Investigation Bureau of Ukraine has launched an inquiry into the officers, who are accused of failing to adequately organize the defense of Ukraine’s border with Russia. The investigation has been officially registered in the court system.
Following the Russian attack on May 10, the Ukrainian army was forced to evacuate its forward positions and several villages, suffering significant losses of both personnel and materials. The officers under investigation hail from various units, including the 125th Brigade, the 415th Rifle Battalion, and the 23rd Mechanized Brigade.
In response to the initial retreat, the Ukrainian military command replaced the commanding general in the affected area. Additionally, Oleh Syniehubov, the governor of the Kharkiv region, has demanded explanations from construction companies as to why ordered fortifications were not completed.
Despite the setbacks, Ukrainian forces managed to slow the Russian advance after several days of heavy fighting. On Friday, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the Ukrainian army had regained control in the region. Military experts suggest that the new Russian offensive aims to tie up Ukrainian forces and position Russian artillery within striking distance of the major city of Kharkiv.
The investigation continues as Ukrainian authorities seek to address the failures and reinforce their defenses against further advances.
