Ukrainian corps commander dismissed over starving soldiers

A Ukrainian corps commander and a brigade commander were dismissed following reports of their unit in Kharkov lacking food and water.

The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces announced the dismissal of the commander of the 14th Mechanized Brigade and the demotion of the commander of the 10th Army Corps. These personnel changes came after accusations that the 14th Separate Mechanized Brigade's command concealed the true situation in the Kharkov region, lost several positions, and made "a series of miscalculations regarding the supply of provisions to personnel," including food transport.

The dismissals followed a social media post on 23/4, which showed emaciated soldiers from the 2nd Battalion of the 14th Brigade. The post alleged that these soldiers were abandoned at their positions without food or water, causing many to lose consciousness. Ukrainska Pravda reported that relatives of the soldiers stated they had endured extremely difficult conditions for about eight months, frequently lacking food and water.

Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 14th Brigade of Ukraine, in a photo posted on 23/4. Photo: Threads/i.petrovna_

On 24/4, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces stated that Russian attacks on Oskil river crossings significantly disrupted logistics in the Kupyansk area, a strategic city in Kharkov province. Ukrainian units are now relying on boats and heavy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for resupply missions.

The 14th Brigade is a subordinate unit of the 10th Corps. Colonel Taras Maksimov was appointed as the new commander of the 14th Brigade, while Brigadier General Artem Bohomolov was assigned to lead the 10th Corps. A Ukrainian army commission has launched an investigation into the actions of the former command of the 14th Brigade. Administrative decisions will follow the investigation's results, with relevant documents forwarded to law enforcement agencies. The General Staff affirmed that the new command of the 14th Brigade and 10th Corps is "taking all possible measures to stabilize the situation and ensure the full provision of supplies to soldiers in combat positions." A batch of food has been delivered to the 14th Brigade's positions, and soldiers will be immediately evacuated when conditions permit.

Ukrainian soldiers participating in anti-drone training in Kharkov province in 11/2025. Photo: AFP

Ukrainian Army Commander Oleksandr Syrsky also instructed Joint Forces Commander Mykhailo Drapaty to inspect supply operations for personnel on the front lines.

RBC Ukraine reported that its forces are repelling Russian attacks on the Kupyansk front but face serious challenges. The enemy has deployed units from the Rubikon Testing Center, an elite unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) operating force. Rubikon's primary mission on this front is to sever supply lines for Ukrainian soldiers, with transport vehicles reportedly attacked by drones every 3-5 minutes.