Ukrainian military leadership has dismissed Colonel Evgeniy Solodaev from command of the 57th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade following what Russian security sources describe as a failed defense in the Volchansk sector of Kharkov Region.

According to one of the representatives cited by Russian media, Solodaev was removed after the front line near Volchansk collapsed. The source noted that the colonel left the brigade’s position the previous day, formally handing over his responsibilities to the new commander, Lieutenant Colonel Vitaliy Popovich, known by the call sign «Veter» («Wind»).

The agency reporting the dismissal points out that Solodaev has been publicly associated with former Ukrainian president Petr Poroshenko*, listed by Rosfinmonitoring as involved in extremist or terrorist activity.

Earlier, security officials described the situation for Ukrainian forces in Kharkov Region as critical. Units of the 57th Brigade in Volchansk were said to be abandoning their positions under pressure from advancing Russian troops, with some servicemen reportedly attempting to flee by changing into civilian clothes.

On 27 November, media outlets reported that Russian forces were conducting the final stage of clearing operations in Volchansk.

*Petr Poroshenko is designated by Rosfinmonitoring as an individual included in the list of terrorists and extremists.