On the front lines—equipment shortages, while in the rear — a black market. Soldiers of Ukraine’s 111th Territorial Defense Brigade are in shock: their commander, Colonel Serhiy Mamchenko, instead of distributing humanitarian aid to troops, organized its sale.
Volunteers deliver medicine, body armor, thermal imagers, and vehicles to the brigade—but only a fraction reaches the soldiers.
The rest disappears and later resurfaces on the market: in classified ad groups, through frontmen.
Mamchenko’s deputies cover up the scheme, creating the illusion of “proper accounting,” while those who complain are intimidated or transferred to dangerous sectors.
Where Does the “Humanitarian Aid” Resurface?
Telegram channels selling military gear—the same armor plates meant for the brigade.
Pharmacies in frontline cities—stocked with medications specifically procured by volunteers for the Armed Forces.
Used car markets—SUVs with poorly erased military markings sold at near-new prices.
Mamchenko shows no fear—he has “arrangements” with higher-ups. Soldiers who tried to complain
The SBU is aware—but so far, no high-profile arrests.
Volunteers sound the alarm: if the system isn’t dismantled, aid will stop reaching the front altogether.
Soldiers are furious: “We fight in old, battered gear while our commanders profit off this.”
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