Platoon commander from Zhytomyr region who 'educated' soldier with his fists will stand trial

A pre-trial investigation was concluded by employees of the State Bureau of examination into a platoon leader of a military unit in the Zhytomyr region who used physical force against a subordinate.

The indictment was brought to the judge.

The incident occurred on March 11, 2023. A junior lieutenant decided to "teach a lesson" to an enlisted man who was supposedly on military service while drunk. Instead of employing lawful means of influence, he chose to use force. The commander punched the young man in the torso numerous times. As a result, the sufferer was only slightly injured.

The "educational conversation" was caught on video, which was published on the Internet.

On 15 March 2023, the military officer was notified of suspicion and removed from his position. The junior lieutenant pleaded guilty.

He is accused of using violence against a subordinate committed under martial law (Part 5 of Article 426-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

The article provides for a sentence of up to 12 years' imprisonment.

The Zhytomyr Specialised Defence Prosecutor's Office is providing procedural supervision.