Ukraine

Ukraine Detains 3 Former Commanders in Connection With Russian Gains

Published JAN 21 2025

Story

Above: Ukrainian servicemen are seen in the direction of Bakhmut, Ukraine, on Jan. 8, 2025. Image credit: Wolfgang Schwan/Anadolu/Contributor via Getty Images

The Facts

Ukraine's State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), in cooperation with the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU), on Monday arrested two former generals and a colonel on suspicion of negligence in connection with Russian gains in the Kharkiv region last year.
Ukrainska Pravda
In May 2024, Russia launched an offensive in the Kharkiv region in Ukraine's east, sweeping through the territory and capturing at least nine villages and settlements in a matter of days.
BBC News
While Ukraine was able to stem the losses in the months that followed — as the offensive was largely anticipated, with build-ups of 30K Russian troops reported prior to its commencement — the Russian advance was highly criticized in Ukrainian circles. At least one general was dismissed from his position.
BBC News
Novinite.com
Business Insider
One Ukrainian commander, Denys Yaroslavskyi, told the BBC that defensive lines were missing and that Russian forces "just walked in." "Either it was an act of negligence, or corruption," he said. "It wasn't a failure. It was a betrayal."
BBC News
That view appeared to be shared by Ukrainian investigators who ordered Monday's arrests. A statement from the SBI accused the former officials of "negligent attitudes towards military service, allowing the Russian Federation troops to seize part of the territory" in Kharkiv.
Ukrainska Pravda
While the officials were not named in the statement, according to sources who spoke to the Ukrainian outlet Ukrainska Pravda, the individuals were Brigadier General Yurii Halushkin, Lieutenant General Artur Horbenko, and Colonel Illia Lapin.
Ukrainska Pravda

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

The officials who have been arrested fell short of the standards expected of them and were negligent in how they carried out their duties. Not only did their actions lead to territorial losses, but the losses of troops and equipment as well. They will face justice for how they conducted themselves.

Newsweek

Narrative B

While military negligence cannot be ruled out, the fact that the area in question was right next to the Russian border and was under heavy bombardment for weeks must be considered. This made it extremely difficult to complete the building of military fortifications before Russia's offensive started and likely had a role to play.

Ukrainska Pravda