New commander vows rotation after Ukrainian troops were left without food
Col. Taras Maksimov took command of Ukraine’s 14th Separate Mechanized Brigade on April 20, 2026. (Photo: Prince Roman the Great 14th Separate Mechanized Brigade)
Col. Taras Maksimov, the new commander of Ukraine’s Prince
Roman the Great 14th Separate Mechanized Brigade, held an online call with
soldiers at a front-line position where troops had gone without food and water,
according to a video
shared by the brigade on Facebook.
The soldiers confirmed that after reports emerged that they
had no food or water at the position, supplies had been delivered. They showed
bags of food on camera.
Asked about their health, the soldiers said they “need a
little time to put some weight back on.”
Maksimov promised during the call to rotate the soldiers out
of the position.
“Company commander, take note: Don’t stay silent, don’t hide
anything. You have my phone number? Report directly to me immediately if there
are any problems!” Maksimov said.
Maksimov was reported to have been appointed commander of
the Prince Roman the Great 14th Separate Mechanized Brigade on April 20. Suspilne
wrote that Maksimov had served in the 14th Brigade since 2018, but in December
2024 was appointed commander of the 155th Separate Mechanized Brigade.
On April 23, 2026, a Threads user published photos of
emaciated soldiers from Ukraine’s 14th Separate Mechanized Brigade who, she
said, had been left at their positions without food or water and were losing
consciousness as a result.
On April 24, the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces
confirmed serious problems supplying units near Kupyansk and announced the
dismissal of the commanders of Ukraine’s 14th Brigade and 10th Corps. They were
replaced by Col. Taras Maksimov and Brig. Gen. Artem Bohomolov, respectively.
The General Staff said food had already been delivered to
troops on the front line and announced plans to evacuate the soldiers.
The Joint Forces Grouping later also confirmed inspections
in the 10th Corps over false reports and the supply situation facing front-line
troops.
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