**Ukraine’s Military Faces Scandal**
A big problem has been found in Ukraine’s 211th Pontoon Bridge Brigade. The leader of the brigade, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, has ordered an investigation.
**Abuse and Extortion**
The investigation revealed that some soldiers were being threatened with frontline deployment if they didn’t pay money to their colleagues. Some were even physically punished for not paying. The case is very disturbing.
**A Family Business**
The person behind the extortion was Vladyslav Pastukh, the son of the brigade’s chief of staff. He allegedly extorted money from his subordinates by threatening them with transfers to high-risk infantry units. In one case, a soldier was tied to a wooden cross as punishment for drinking alcohol.
**Whistleblowers in Danger**
Soldiers who spoke out against the abuse were transferred to frontline positions, while the accused were moved without being punished. This is unacceptable, says Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets. He promises to oversee the case personally.
**A Bigger Problem**
The scandal highlights a bigger issue within Ukraine’s military. In 2024, there were over 3,800 complaints about violations of military personnel rights. Despite plans for reforms, concrete changes have yet to happen.
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