The SBU and GDB detained generals for the failure of defense in the Kharkiv region in 2024.

In Ukraine, generals have been detained who were responsible for the unsuccessful defense of the Kharkiv region during the Russian offensive in 2024. They failed to provide adequate protection for the area.

This information was reported by RBK-Ukraine citing the press service of the SBU.

According to sources from RBK-Ukraine, the individuals in question are Brigadier General Yuri Galushkin, Lieutenant General Artur Gorbenko, and Colonel Ilya Lapin.

The Security Service and the State Bureau of Investigations, 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. According to the investigation, they did not ensure proper defense of the Kharkiv region during the enemy's offensive in May 2024.

Investigators identified the suspects as a brigadier general who served as the commander of the operational-tactical grouping "Kharkiv," a lieutenant general who was the commander of the 125th separate brigade of the Territorial Defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and a colonel who previously led the 415th battalion of this unit.

It was established that the officials failed to prepare the defense of the border areas of the Kharkiv region and lost control of the combat during the renewed Russian offensive on the regional center.

They also violated the requirements of combat regulations while preparing defensive positions in the areas of responsibility of military units and branches of the Operational-Tactical Command. During the battle, the officials did not utilize the full arsenal of possible measures to repel and halt the aggressor's advance.

This ultimately led to the capture of part of the territory in eastern Ukraine, where fierce fighting is currently taking place.

Specialized examinations initiated by law enforcement confirmed the facts of the suspects' criminal activities.

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

• Part 4 of Article 425 (negligence in military service committed under martial law);
• Article 429 (organization of unauthorized abandonment of the battlefield).

The issue of selecting a preventive measure is currently being addressed. The suspects face up to 10 years in prison.

Situation in the Kharkiv Region

On May 10, Russian troops began a new offensive in the Kharkiv region. In particular, the enemy advanced towards Volchansk, but was unable to move beyond the city. Intense fighting continues there, and the city has been virtually erased by Russian strikes.

At that time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia had failed to carry out its offensive operation in the Kharkiv region. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces further strengthened the Kharkiv front.

We also reported that at the end of September last year, the HUR liberated the Volchansk Aggregate Plant. Fighting for the city continues.