Authorities are investigating an incident involving the assault of a soldier from the 155th Separate Motorized Brigade in Dnipro. The victim, Serhiy Malenko, is currently receiving treatment in Zhovti Vody and reported that the attacker was a senior sergeant from the battalion.
The incident occurred on May 1, and a video surfaced on social media on May 4, showing Malenko being beaten while restrained. The Eastern Region Military Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that the assailant had left the military unit without authorization.
Malenko, who has served in the brigade for four months, recounted the events leading up to the attack. He stated that he was informed via radio about the arrival of the senior sergeant and went to greet him, only to hear gunfire shortly thereafter.
“He ran onto the premises with a rifle, shouting for everyone to assemble. I asked what was happening, but received no answer,” Malenko said.
After the assault, the senior sergeant forced Malenko and other soldiers to wear body armor and run five kilometers under the watch of armed comrades. Malenko described the physical toll of the attack, stating, “My face was very swollen, and my right eye lost vision for two days. They gave me ice packs, but that was all.”
Following the incident, military command arrived at the temporary location in Dnipro. Malenko was transported to Zhovti Vody for treatment, where he underwent examinations and was later granted a five-day leave.
Concerned about her brother’s lack of communication, Malenko’s sister began searching for him. After seeing the video of the assault online, she shared it on her social media platforms.
“He could barely walk. His head was extremely swollen. It seemed like he aged ten years after I picked him up,” she remarked.
Malenko reported suffering from a concussion and bruises, and he is currently on medical leave while undergoing further evaluations. He remains perplexed by the senior sergeant’s violent behavior.
The assailant has been recorded explaining his actions in a video released by the State Bureau of Investigations (DBR), which also announced his arrest on May 7.
“I organized a gathering of the personnel due to personal grievances against the soldier, resulting in serious bodily harm. I am prepared to face legal consequences for my actions,” he stated.
Stanislav Luchanov, the commander of the 155th Brigade, confirmed that an internal investigation is ongoing. He emphasized that such incidents have not occurred in the brigade before and stated, “We will do everything possible to ensure this is the last case of its kind.”
The senior sergeant has been charged with torture, violations of military conduct, and desertion, which could lead to a prison sentence of up to 12 years. The Central District Court in Dnipro has approved a request for his detention until July 4, 2026.
An investigation is underway into the assault of a soldier from the 155th Separate Motorized Brigade in Dnipro, with the assailant facing serious charges. The victim, Serhiy Malenko, recounts the harrowing details of the incident, which has raised concerns within the military community.