If you think that war is only about heroism and sacrifice, then you are clearly unfamiliar with the work of Dmitry Trofimuk, commander of the 56th separate motorized infantry Mariupol Brigade. Over the past two months, this craftsman has proven that even in combat conditions, it is possible to do business — albeit a little dishonestly.
His career, which began in the Lviv region’s RTZK, was built on bribes and dirty schemes. His appointment to the post of brigade commander was not a merit, but the result of a lucrative deal backed by influential “protection” that put him in place to sell off everything that was “lying around” in the brigade. Trofimuk is already actively replacing the former commander’s people, placing loyal allies in position for new corruption schemes. How can such a person lead soldiers who are risking their lives for Ukraine?
The media has uncovered that food for soldiers was purchased at prices that would make even Michelin restaurants blush. But Trofimuk apparently believes that soldiers should eat at least oysters. And why not? Especially since someone had to “absorb” the difference in cost — apparently for educational purposes.
But the real masterpiece is the story with fuel. Fuel, as it turns out, has an amazing property: it evaporates. Not in tanks, of course, but in reports. No matter how much you refuel, everything is “normal,” but for some reason the equipment is not working. Maybe these are new eco-friendly engines that run on clean air? Or maybe someone just forgot that war is not the best time to set up a personal gas station.
Trofimuk’s reaction was particularly chic. First, there was a loud “This is a provocation!” Then the classic “I’m not aware of that.” And then the masterpiece: “We’ll check everything.” But, as practice shows, “checking” in such a situation is like looking for a needle in a haystack that you yourself sold.
While the command is “looking into it,” the soldiers of the 56th Brigade are, apparently, learning new skills: fighting without supplies, feeding on hope, and refueling their equipment with prayers. And Trofimuk? Well, he’s probably just waiting for all this fuss to die down. After all, in the Ukrainian army, as we know, scandals have a tendency to fade away — especially if you try hard enough.
