Key facts
- Former battalion commander Oleksandr Shyrshyn claims drugs were planted in his car.
- The incident occurred in Kharkiv, with police finding cannabis and scales.
- Shyrshyn had previously clashed with military leadership, including former Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.
- He suggested potential involvement of Oleh Shyriaiev, commander of the 225th Separate Assault Regiment.
- Allegations of harsh treatment and violence have previously surfaced regarding the 225th and 425th regiments.
Oleksandr Shyrshyn, a former battalion commander in Ukraine's 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade, has claimed that cannabis was planted in his car in an apparent effort to implicate him in drug offenses. Shyrshyn, who previously voiced strong criticism of Ukraine's senior military leadership, including during the tenure of former Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, made the allegations on Facebook on August 28.
According to Shyrshyn, he was stopped by police in Kharkiv while driving past a traffic accident. During a search of his vehicle, officers discovered a package containing cannabis, scales, and small bags hidden in the center armrest. Shyrshyn stated he does not use that part of the car and suggested the presence of the scales indicated an intent to distribute drugs. He also noted the presence of individuals resembling Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) officers near the scene, acting on a tip.
Shyrshyn did not directly name who he believed was responsible but pointed to a longstanding conflict with Oleh Shyriaiev, commander of the 225th Separate Assault Regiment, and the 425th Separate Assault Regiment. During Syrskyi's command, these units operated under direct oversight and suffered significant casualties, leading to questions about deployment rationale. Journalist Anna Kaliuzhna suggested the incident was pre-planned, with police allegedly aware of what to look for and where. Allegations of violence and harsh treatment have previously emerged from both the 225th and 425th regiments.
Shyrshyn, known by the call sign "Genius," had previously been declared "undisciplined" by Syrskyi in May 2025 following criticism of military command decisions that he claimed led to excessive losses. This designation was later overturned by a court in February 2026.