Key facts
- Stanislav Luchanov, commander of Ukraine's 155th Brigade, is wanted for kidnapping and murder.
- Luchanov allegedly led an operation to kidnap and murder two civilians in Kyiv Oblast.
- Nine soldiers from the brigade have been detained.
- Luchanov abandoned his unit amid the investigation and is currently at large.
- Commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi has ordered an investigation and preventive measures.
Stanislav Luchanov, the commander of Ukraine's 155th "Anne of Kyiv" Brigade, has been charged with kidnapping and murder, along with other members of his unit. The military reported on July 11 that Luchanov allegedly led his brigade members in the abduction and killing of two civilians in Kyiv Oblast.
Following the alleged crimes, Luchanov abandoned his unit without authorization and is currently at large, according to the General Staff Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Syrskyi has directed the military's internal security agency and Kyiv Oblast police to investigate the circumstances surrounding the brigade's alleged criminal activities.
Military police stated that "As a result of the operations, the former commander of the 155th Separate Mechanized Brigade ... and all currently identified participants in the crime, have been charged with committing criminal offenses related to illegal detention and intentional murder." Nine soldiers from the 155th brigade have been detained, with sources indicating that a group broke into a yard and kidnapped two brothers, who were then taken to Poltava Oblast and murdered.
All military personnel connected to the incident have been suspended. The General Staff assured that those found guilty will be held accountable regardless of their position. Syrskyi plans to implement measures to prevent similar incidents, strengthening controls against military discipline violations and abuse of authority. This report follows another recent suspension of a regiment commander amid allegations of soldier abuse leading to noncombat deaths, highlighting ongoing issues within Ukraine's military as it faces manpower challenges.