Ukrainian generals have been detained for the failure of the defense in the Kharkiv region.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the State Bureau of Investigations (GBR) have apprehended generals responsible for the unsuccessful defense of Kharkiv region during the Russian army's offensive in 2024.

This information was reported by the SBU press service.

The SBU and GBR, with the assistance of the Minister of Defense and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, documented the crimes of three officials of the Armed Forces of Ukraine who failed to provide adequate protection for Kharkiv region during the enemy's offensive in May 2024.

According to the case materials, the individuals involved include a brigadier general who served as the commander of the operational-tactical grouping (OTU) "Kharkiv," a lieutenant general who was the commander of the 125th separate territorial defense brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and a colonel who previously led the 415th battalion of unity.

The investigation established that the officials did not prepare the defense of the border areas of Kharkiv region and lost control of the battle during the renewed offensive by the Russian army on the regional center.

Among other things, the individuals violated combat regulations in preparing defensive lines in the territories under the responsibility of military units and subdivisions of the OTU.

Furthermore, during the battle, the officials did not utilize the full arsenal of possible measures to repel and halt the aggressor's advance.

This led to the capture of part of the territory in the eastern region of Ukraine, where fierce fighting continues.

Specialized examinations initiated by law enforcement confirmed the facts of the criminal activities of the individuals involved.

Based on the collected evidence, they have been detained and will be notified of suspicion in accordance with the committed crimes under two articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine:

• Part 4 of Article 425 (negligent attitude to military service committed in a state of martial law);
• Article 429 (organization of unauthorized withdrawal from the battlefield).

Measures are being decided regarding their selection. The individuals face up to 10 years in prison.

The investigation continues to hold all guilty parties accountable.

Comprehensive measures are being conducted by the military counterintelligence of the SBU in cooperation with the GBR under the procedural guidance of the Office of the Prosecutor General.