Ukraine’s military has dismissed the commander of the 14th Separate Mechanized Brigade following a public scandal over four troops reportedly left without adequate food and water on a frontline position near Kupiansk.
The case has drawn attention to mounting logistical challenges in the Kupiansk sector, where sustained Russian strikes on crossings over the Oskil River have disrupted supply routes and complicated troop support.
Previous leadership concealed logistics failures, General Staff says
The General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces confirmed the personnel changes in a statement, citing previously concealed problems within the brigade, including logistical failures and the loss of some positions.
The move comes after reports circulated on social media showing the troops in difficult conditions on the front line.
According to the General Staff, the brigade’s previous leadership failed to accurately report the situation on the ground, including issues with food delivery to certain positions. In response, Colonel Taras Maksimov has been appointed as the new brigade commander, while the head of the 10th Army Corps was also removed and reassigned.
The problem is delivery, not supply, spokesperson says
Reporting by Suspilne confirmed that the four troops had been holding their position under severe conditions, prompting relatives to publicize their situation online.
Brigade spokesperson Nadiia Zamryha acknowledged the incident, saying the situation had already been under review by the new commander before it became public.
“The problem is not that supplies do not exist,” she said. “The problem is delivering them.” She described how logistics routes are heavily targeted, requiring supplies to be moved in stages, including by drones in the final stretch.
Supplies reach stranded position as investigation moves toward prosecutors
The General Staff said additional supplies have since reached the affected position, and efforts are ongoing to stabilize logistics, reinforce air defenses, and expand electronic warfare capabilities in the area.
A formal investigation into the brigade’s leadership is nearing completion, with materials expected to be handed to law enforcement for further action.
