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Ukraine dismisses brigade commander after soldiers appear malnourished

2 sources · 25 Apr 2026 · Share coverage ·

Ukraine dismissed the commander of the 14th Mechanized Brigade after photos of very thin soldiers circulated on social media. The soldiers had been on the front line in Kharkiv since August, receiving irregular supplies and having to melt snow for drinking water.

The 14th Mechanized Brigade had been positioned on the front lines in the Kharkiv region since August, facing supply difficulties due to Russian attacks on logistical routes. Supplies reached the unit irregularly, as it operates in the Oskil River area, where crossings are frequent targets of Russian airstrikes.

1. What we know (6)

Anastasia Silchuk, wife of a soldier, published photos of military personnel who lost significant weight

2 sources IstoÉ Opera Mundi

The commander of the 14th Mechanized Brigade was dismissed on Friday (04/24)

2 sources IstoÉ Opera Mundi

The soldiers had been positioned in the Kharkiv region since August and received supplies irregularly

2 sources IstoÉ Opera Mundi

During winter, the soldiers melted snow and drank rainwater

2 sources IstoÉ Opera Mundi

Taras Maximov was appointed as the new brigade commander

2 sources IstoÉ Opera Mundi

The Ukrainian General Staff said Russian attacks on the Oskil river complicated supply operations

2 sources IstoÉ Opera Mundi
2. Where coverage thins out (3)

Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.

Covered by only some sources (3)

Serhii Perts, of the 10th Army Corps, was also demoted

Reported by: Opera Mundi
Did not cover: IstoÉ

The detachment has occupied positions east of Kupiansk since autumn 2022

Reported by: Opera Mundi
Did not cover: IstoÉ

The dismissed commander is named Anatolii Lysetskyi

Reported by: Opera Mundi
Did not cover: IstoÉ
3. What we don't know yet

No gaps declared — all sources converge on the material facts.

All sources

2