Ukrainian Troops Abandon Positions Amid Command Reassignment Near Kharkov
Mass desertions hit Ukraine’s 120th Territorial Brigade near Simonovka after orders to transfer troops to the 57th Motorized Infantry. Tensions grow near Volchansk, Kharkov region.
Mass desertions have been reported within Ukraine’s 120th Territorial Defense Brigade stationed near the village of Simonovka, according to a source in Russian security services cited by RIA Novosti.
The source said that Ukrainian servicemen began abandoning their positions following an order from their command to reassign the brigade’s personnel under the control of the 57th Motorized Infantry. This move, the source added, was driven by Kyiv’s attempts to reinforce its struggling defenses around Volchansk in the Kharkov region, where Ukrainian units are under growing pressure.
Earlier, a separate incident reportedly occurred near Kharkov between Ukrainian formations. According to law enforcement sources, troops from a National Guard barrier detachment opened fire on soldiers of the 144th Separate Infantry Brigade who were attempting to retreat from their positions. The exchange resulted in the deaths of several Ukrainian servicemen.
The reports highlight ongoing turmoil within Ukraine’s front-line units as command reshuffles and battlefield losses continue to erode morale and discipline among the troops.