**Ukrainian Defense Minister Investigates Allegations of Abuse in Military Unit**
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry is looking into claims that soldiers in the 211th Pontoon Bridge Brigade were beaten, extorted, and humiliated by their commanders. The investigation was ordered by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov on December 16.
According to Ukrainska Pravda, a Ukrainian news outlet, the brigade’s officers have been accused of beating service members, taking money from them, and even tying one soldier to a wooden cross as punishment. Umerov called this behavior “unacceptable” and said that those responsible must be punished.
Defense Ministry spokesperson Dmytro Lazutkin described the alleged abuse as “shameful” and “contradictory to the basic principles of building a modern Ukrainian army.” However, he downplayed the severity of the situation, saying it was not widespread and had not been reported before.
The investigation comes at a time when Ukraine is facing challenges in replenishing its military ranks. The country has experienced low enlistment rates and even cases of desertion.
**Russian Military Developments**
Meanwhile, Russian forces have suffered 1,600 casualties over the past day, according to reports. Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of Russia’s radiation, chemical, and biological defense troops, was reportedly killed in an explosion at a residence in Moscow on December 17.
The US State Department has warned that if North Korean troops cross into Ukraine to fight for Russia, it would mark a significant escalation in the war. Russian President Vladimir Putin has also announced plans to increase production of nuclear-capable missiles.
**Global Reaction**
The European Union has imposed sanctions on Chinese companies for supplying Russia’s military with equipment for the war against Ukraine. Estonia’s Prime Minister Kristen Michal has called for increased defense spending across NATO and the EU due to Russia’s actions.
Hungary, which has close ties with Moscow, has blocked initiatives to provide military aid to Kyiv. North Korean troops have been confirmed to be fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, marking their first direct engagement in combat operations.
**Other Developments**
The European Union Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM) has trained approximately 60,000 Ukrainian troops as of August 2024. Chancellor Olaf Scholz failed a confidence vote in the Bundestag on December 16, paving the way for early parliamentary elections scheduled for February 23.
Ukraine’s laser system, called Tryzub, can down aircraft at altitudes exceeding 2 kilometers, according to Colonel Vadym Sukharevskyi. Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov has announced plans to seize parts of Ukraine in 2025.