Zelenskyy introduces new Donetsk commander amid brewing scandal
- Today, I officially introduced Gen. Andriy Hnatov to all those responsible for defence in the Donetsk region, - said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from Pokrovsk. The President arrived at the front line to receive reports from defence positions. The previous general, Yuriy Sodola, was dismissed after a scandal. Zelenskyy also announced consequences for certain officials.
- Donetsk region. Together with our warriors, together with Chief Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi and the new Commander of Joint Forces, Gen. Andriy Hnatov. Today, I officially introduced Hnatov to all those responsible for defence in the Donetsk region. I listened to reports directly from the positions, - said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a recording published from Pokrovsk. Currently, this is one of the most intense front-line sections.
The Russians have concentrated the vast majority of brigades and assault regiments there.
"I was surprised". Zelenskyy announced serious talks
Zelenskyy added that in the Donetsk region, he had a detailed meeting on security and support for the nation. - We addressed many issues, providing essential necessities like water, social issues, evacuation, defence assistance, and housing reconstruction, - he added.
Zelenskyy emphasised that upon returning to the capital, he will discuss solutions with officials that "simply cannot be seen from Kyiv". - I was surprised that some relevant officials had not been here for six months or longer. There will be a serious conversation, and I will draw appropriate conclusions from it, - he threatened.
General accused of the death of thousands of soldiers
On Monday, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed the commander of the United Armed Forces of Ukraine, Gen. Yuriy Sodola. The day before, Chief of Staff of the Azov Brigade of the National Guard, Bohdan Krotevych, appealed to the Ukrainian Intelligence Service to initiate an investigation into Sodola, accusing him of significant losses in the units.
Sources from the Ukrainian Pravda state that Krotevych accuses the general of "exceeding his authority and incompetent command of the troops, which led to the loss of a large part of Ukrainian territory," and asks for the commander to be checked for collaboration with the enemy.
"In my opinion, he killed (with his decisions - ed. note) more Ukrainian soldiers than any Russian general. During testimonies in cases where I cannot speak, I talked about what I believe are war crimes committed," - wrote Krotevych on Telegram.
Krotevych also declared that he doesn't care whether an investigation will be initiated against him or if he ends up in prison. The SBI officially confirmed receiving the notification on Monday afternoon (GMT).
As written in a lengthy post on Telegram published on Sunday, "the entire military understands who I am talking about because 99% of soldiers hate him for what he does".
"This person initiates investigations against commanders who advance and do not lose positions, but does not initiate official investigations against himself," - wrote Krotevych. "The Rubicon was crossed. (...) And the only thing I will always be ashamed of is that I didn't do this sooner. Fortune favours the brave, and some creatures are helped by the fact that most remain silent, understanding the consequences of 'personal revenge' on them and their units. Therefore, I emphasise that this is my personal decision, and I fully accept its consequences" - confessed the soldier from the Azov Brigade.
