Ukrainian Colonel Awarded Despite Abuse Allegations
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A Ukrainian colonel, Oleg Poberezhnyuk, commander of the 211th pontoon-bridge brigade, received the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, III degree, despite facing allegations of abuse of office and extortion. The award, bestowed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on November 1, 2024, has sparked controversy and raised questions about accountability within the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The controversy centers around the timing of the award. While the proposal for the award was signed by the acting commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Yuriy Onishchuk, Poberezhnyuk was already under pre-trial inquiry for allegedly using subordinates too build his private home while they were officially deployed elsewhere. This investigation,initiated following an internal review by the Armed Forces Support Forces Command (AFSCF),uncovered evidence suggesting the alleged misuse of personnel.
Maxim Kravchuk, Head of the Communications Department of the AFSCF, confirmed the investigation in a statement to Ukrayinska Pravda.”The shepherd was assigned to another branch of the military to a position that does not involve working with personnel. The position is not a leadership position. This is definitely not a promotion,” Kravchuk stated, referring to Lieutenant colonel Valery Pastukh, the brigade’s chief of staff, who was also implicated and subsequently fined 34,000 hryvnia for negligence and reassigned.
Kravchuk further explained the process of awarding state honors: “Rewarding military personnel with state awards is carried out on the basis of reports from thier immediate superiors. Based on these reports, submissions are made to the relevant authority. The corresponding submission was signed by certain officials and the acting commander.” He confirmed that Onishchuk signed the submission for Poberezhnyuk’s award.
The AFSCF’s response to inquiries highlighted that the details of the investigation into Poberezhnyuk’s alleged actions remain confidential due to ongoing legal proceedings and the ongoing war.Though, the timing of the award, given the pending investigation, has raised concerns about potential oversight failures within the Ukrainian military’s chain of command.
This case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Ukraine in combating corruption, even within its military forces, a critical component of its defense against Russian aggression.The situation highlights the need for increased openness and accountability within the Ukrainian military structure to maintain public trust and ensure the effective use of resources.
Ukrainian Military Commander Released on Bail After Corruption Probe
colonel Oleg Poberezhnyuk, commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ 211th Pontoon-Bridge Brigade, has been released from custody after posting bail following a high-profile investigation into allegations of extortion and abuse of power within his unit. The case,which has sent shockwaves through the Ukrainian military,highlights the ongoing challenges in combating corruption even amidst a national war effort.
The investigation,initially reported by Ukrayinska Pravda,detailed allegations of widespread extortion,bullying,and nepotism within the brigade. the report prompted swift action from Ukrainian authorities. Commander-in-Chief alexander Syrsky “ordered an inspection and suspended the commander of the military unit Oleg Poberezhnyuk for the duration of it,” according to Pravda’s reporting.
The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) launched a criminal probe on December 17th, focusing on potential abuse of power and violence against subordinates. Colonel Poberezhnyuk was subsequently charged with abuse of office. A court hearing on December 19th resulted in a two-month detention order, though bail was set at 908,400 hryvnia (approximately $24,000 USD). Poberezhnyuk posted bail the same day and was released on December 20th.
While Poberezhnyuk’s release has raised questions,the investigation continues. The case underscores the complexities of rooting out corruption within the Ukrainian military, a critical issue as the country fights for its survival. The ongoing investigation will determine the full extent of the alleged wrongdoing and whether further charges will be filed.
More details on this developing story can be found at Pravda.com.ua.
Information on Colonel Poberezhnyuk can be found on Wikipedia (link) and Facebook (link).
Corruption Allegations Shadow Ukrainian Colonel Awarded Amidst War
This interview delves into the recent controversy surrounding Colonel Oleg Poberezhnyuk, commander of the Ukrainian armed Forces’ 211th pontoon-bridge brigade, who was awarded the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, III degree, despite facing allegations of abuse of office and extortion.
We are joined today by Dr. Olena Kochetkova, a renowned expert in Ukrainian military affairs and former advisor too the Ministry of Defense.
Senior Editor: Dr. Kochetkova, thank you for joining us. Can you shed light on the circumstances surrounding this controversial award?
Dr. Kochetkova:
Certainly. Colonel Poberezhnyuk received the award on November 1st from President Zelenskyy. This is highly unusual considering that he was already under inquiry by the Armed Forces Support Forces Command (AFSCF) for allegedly using subordinates to build his private home while thay were officially deployed.
Senior Editor: This investigation was initiated by the AFSCF, following internal reviews. Can you elaborate on the nature of the allegations against Colonel Poberezhnyuk and Lieutenant Colonel Valery Pastukh, the brigade’s chief of staff, who was also implicated?
Dr. Kochetkova
:
The investigation, as reported by Ukrayinska Pravda, uncovered evidence suggesting widespread extortion, bullying, and nepotism within the 211th brigade. Regarding Lieutenant Colonel Pastukh, he was fined 34,000 hryvnia for negligence and reassigned. He was reportedly not in a leadership position during this time and did not have direct authority over personnel assignments.
Senior Editor: The timing of the award, given the ongoing investigation, has raised many eyebrows. How do you interpret this decision by the President’s office?
Dr. Kochetkova:
This is indeed puzzling. The AFSCF confirmed that the details of the investigation remain confidential due to the ongoing legal proceedings and the war. However,the decision to award Colonel Poberezhnyuk while under investigation raises serious concerns about potential oversight failures within the Ukrainian military’s chain of command. It raises questions about accountability and transparency within the ranks, especially when decisions are made amidst a national crisis.
Senior Editor: It’s a delicate situation,especially considering the need to address corruption when resources are stretched thin. Can this incident perhaps undermine public trust in the Ukrainian military?
Dr. Kochetkova:
sadly, yes. Public trust in institutions is crucial,especially during wartime. Incidents like this can erode public confidence and raise doubts about the integrity of the armed forces.
Senior Editor: What steps can be taken to ensure transparency and accountability within the ranks of the Ukrainian military?
Dr. Kochetkova:
Strengthening internal oversight mechanisms, ensuring autonomous investigations, and promoting a culture of transparency are crucial. Publicly outlining the due-process being followed in such cases is also critical to maintaining public trust.
Senior Editor: Dr. Kochetkova, thank you for your insightful analysis of this complex situation. your expertise sheds much needed light on the demanding challenge Ukraine faces in combatting corruption while engaged in a war against foreign aggression.
