Investigation into ex-commander of 211th Brigade completed: silence on torture of soldiers
29 May 22:43
The prosecutor’s office has completed a pre-trial investigation into the former commander of the 211th Pontoon and Bridge Brigade of the Armed Forces Support Forces, Oleh Poberezhniuk. He is suspected of inactivity of the military leadership under martial law, which provides for up to 10 years in prison (Part 4 of Article 426 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).
This was reported bythe Office of the Prosecutor General, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
The investigation found that Poberezhniuk was aware of the facts of inhuman treatment and torture of servicemen by a subordinate platoon commander, which lasted from February to July 2024, but did not take any measures to bring the perpetrator to justice.
The former commander is currently in custody. The defense has already opened the criminal proceedings for review, after which the case will be brought to court.
The scandal around the 211th Pontoon and Bridge Brigade of the Armed Forces Support Forces erupted in late 2024 after journalistic investigations revealed systematic abuse of servicemen, corruption and abuse of power in the unit.
The main facts of the scandal
Physical violence and torture: According to the investigation, from February to July 2024, the platoon commander, Senior Lieutenant Vladyslav Pastukh, exceeded his authority by using physical violence against his subordinates. In particular, one of the soldiers was stripped of his clothes, tied to a wooden structure in the form of a cross and beaten for drinking alcohol.
Inaction of the brigade commander: The brigade commander, Colonel Oleh Poberezhnyuk, was aware of these facts, but did not take any measures to bring the perpetrator to justice.
Involvement of the military in the construction of a private house: In the fall of 2023, Poberezhniuk involved four subordinates in the construction of his house in Khmelnytskyi region. The servicemen were officially seconded to the combat zone in Mykolaiv region, but in fact worked at the commander’s private facility, receiving salaries and combat payments.
Legal consequences
Suspicion and detention: Oleh Poberezhniuk was notified of suspicion of abuse of office and inaction of the military authorities under martial law. He faces up to 10 years in prison.
Pre-trial restraint: The court imposed on Poberezhniuk a pre-trial restraint in the form of detention with the right to be released on bail. Initially, the bail amount was UAH 908,400, which was paid, and the commander was released. Later, the court set a new bail in the amount of UAH 12 million 112 thousand, after which Poberezhniuk was taken into custody again.
Removal from office: Poberezhniuk was suspended from his official duties for the duration of the investigation.
Public and government reaction
The scandal caused a wide response in society and the media. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced that the perpetrators would be investigated and punished. The State Bureau of Investigation and the National Police are conducting pre-trial investigations against other officials of the brigade suspected of abuse of power and authority.
This case emphasizes the need to strengthen control over the observance of the rights of servicemen and to prevent abuses in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
