211th brigade commander faces arrest over abuse and hazing allegations
Source: Prosecutor General’s Office
Oleh Poberezhnyuk, the commander of the 211th Pontoon Bridge Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, has been placed under pre-trial detention on charges of abuse of power and alleged mistreatment of soldiers.
During a session on December 19, the Ternopil City District Court ordered his detention with the option of bail set at 908,400 UAH. Poberezhnyuk has also been suspended from his duties by higher command.
On Wednesday, Poberezhnyuk was officially charged with abuse of office after law enforcement operatives searched his military unit HQs, his own residence, and a construction site linked to the case.
The case sparked an oucry following an Ukrainska Pravda story that featured a whistleblower’s accounts abusive and hazing practices, money extortion by the commanders of the 211th Brigade.
The prosecutor’s office continues its investigation into the allegations of physical and psychological abuse of service members, which reportedly involved intimidation and financial coercion.
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