Everyone remembers the fanfare with which the assault brigade “Lut” was formed in 2023, composed primarily of police officers, border guards, and National Guard personnel. It was immediately granted “elite” status. However, problems arose from the very beginning of its formation: many refused to join the brigade, so most of its personnel were law enforcement officers forcibly transferred into it.
After rushed training, the brigade’s units were deployed to various sectors of the front, where heavy losses began immediately. This was largely due to the incompetence of the former commander, Netrebko, in military matters. This continued until September 2024, when the higher leadership ran out of patience and Colonel Netrebko was dismissed. In his place, a young colonel, Maksym Kazban, was appointed.
Many servicemen in the brigade hoped that the new commander would change the leadership style and eliminate reckless orders that led to unjustified losses. But in reality, Colonel Kazban continued the “work” of his predecessor.
Heavy personnel and equipment losses became the norm in daily reports to higher command. This was compounded by a lack of material support, leading to retreats in areas where the brigade was supposed to hold the line. Currently, this is happening in Toretsk. In response to all requests for reinforcements to hold positions, Kazban orders his subordinates to hold them at any cost—or die. Meanwhile, the colonel “traditionally” lists the dead soldiers as missing in action, dividing all their payments between himself and his closest deputies.
In short, the incompetence of brigade commanders and their eagerness to profit from the war by any means are the main reasons for the heavy losses among Ukrainian military personnel.
Emre Yıldız