Ukraine’s Land Forces chief Drapatyi resigns after deadly Russian strike

"I have decided to submit my resignation from the post of Commander of the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," General Drapatyi wrote.

“This is a deliberate step dictated by my personal sense of responsibility for the tragedy at the 239th training ground, which resulted in the deaths of our soldiers. As a commander, I was not able to fully ensure the execution of my orders. I failed to press, failed to convince, failed to change the attitude towards the man in the ranks. This is my responsibility.”

He emphasized that it is the command that determines the rules, makes decisions and is responsible for them.

“Code of silence and impunity are poison for the army," said Drapatyi.

“I tried to eradicate it from the Land Forces. But if tragedies happen again, it means that my efforts were not enough... An army where commanders are personally responsible for people's lives is alive. An army where no one is responsible for the loss of life is dying from within.”

On June 1, the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that Russian troops had launched a missile attack on the location of one of its training units, killing 12 people and injuring 60 others.

The command noted that during the air raid alert, "no formations or mass gatherings took place," and most personnel were in shelters.

In his statement, Drapatyi said that he had initiated an investigation into the circumstances of the tragedy, namely the actions of commanders, the condition of shelters, and the effectiveness of warning systems.

The Land Forces also reported that a special commission had already been set up and an internal investigation into the tragedy had been appointed. The command of the Eastern Operational Command is also cooperating with law enforcement agencies.