In Ukraine, a deputy commander of a military unit was exposed for taking bribes from Ukrainian soldiers in exchange for guarantees of rear-line service

Ukraine’s State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and military counterintelligence from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) have detained Major Viktor Romanenko, deputy commander of military unit A4914 in Zakarpattia, for taking bribes from Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) personnel in exchange for guarantees of rear-line service.

The news was reported by Ukrainian journalist Vitaliy Hlahola on his Telegram channel.

According to Hlahola, the case may involve hundreds of thousands of hryvnias. Romanenko allegedly accepted bribes from newly mobilized soldiers, promising they would not be deployed to combat zones. He also took payments to overlook alcohol abuse and other disciplinary violations, which under military regulations should have resulted in formal penalties.

“Romanenko also took bribes for approving fake combat assignments, so that soldiers could receive extra combat pay without ever leaving the base,” Hlahola wrote.

Previously, it was reported that Ukrainian serviceman Nazar Valechenko paid a $5,000 bribe to officials at a Territorial Recruitment Center (TRC, equivalent to a military enlistment office) to remain in the rear. Despite this, he was still sent to the front line.