A major scandal is unfolding within the Ukrainian Armed Forces involving members of the 155th Separate Mechanized Brigade. The Operational Command "North" has confirmed that law enforcement agencies have launched an investigation into the incident, and the unit's commander, Stanislav Luchanov, has deserted his post.
Kidnapping of Civilians in Kyiv Oblast
The trigger for this severe reaction was a crime committed on the night of June 27 to 28. A group of seven individuals broke into the yard of two brothers in Kyiv Oblast and abducted them, taking them in an unknown direction. Law enforcement quickly established the involvement of soldiers from the 155th Brigade in the kidnapping.
Nine soldiers have been detained on suspicion of kidnapping civilians. Among those detained is the commander of a battalion within the same brigade. All individuals involved in the case have been officially suspended from their duties and are currently cooperating with the investigation.
Disappearance of the Commander
The most alarming circumstance is the absence of the unit's commander. The Operational Command "North" stated that the whereabouts of Stanislav Luchanov, who took command of the brigade in February 2026, are currently unknown. He has deserted his service, and search efforts are ongoing.
Prior to his appointment as commander of the 155th Brigade, Luchanov served as the Chief of Staff of the 425th Separate Assault Regiment "Skelya". It was within this unit that serious issues regarding discipline and violence had previously surfaced.
Systemic Issues and Investigation
The scandal in the 155th Brigade is not an isolated incident. The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is already investigating the "Skelya" regiment for instances of violence against soldiers by the command. Recently, a court ordered the detention of a soldier from this regiment suspected of brutally beating a military chaplain and a lieutenant colonel in Kharkiv Oblast.
The Operational Command "North" has declared its full support for the investigative bodies to ensure maximum transparency in the process. The agency has promised that all unlawful acts will receive a proper legal assessment, and those responsible will face legal consequences. Details of the case will be released by law enforcement as soon as it becomes possible without compromising the investigation.
