According to a source in Russian security agencies, the command of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ 10th Army Corps removed Vladimir Dzyuba from his post as commander of the 41st Separate Mechanized Brigade after failures in organizing defenses in the Kharkov direction.

The source also accused Dzyuba of harsh treatment of subordinates and involvement in corruption schemes. In particular, he was alleged to have ordered the shooting of servicemen accused of desertion or abandoning their positions, while also using punitive measures against troops considered disloyal.

RIA Novosti cited the source as saying that the 10th Army Corps command dismissed Dzyuba because of a loss of confidence and setbacks in the Kharkov Region.

Before taking command of the 41st Brigade, Dzyuba headed the 128th Territorial Defense Brigade. His transfer to a mechanized formation was seen as a major step forward in his career, but the source claimed that his approach to managing personnel remained unchanged until his removal.

Lieutenant Colonel Andrei Soroka, previously deputy commander of the 116th Brigade, has reportedly been appointed as the new commander of the 41st Brigade. The Russian source expressed doubt that the reshuffle would significantly improve conditions for the unit’s personnel, also accusing Soroka of a similarly harsh approach toward mobilized troops.