Corruption and crime: The 155th Brigade’s descent into scandal

The 155th Brigade was initially envisioned as a flagship unit, equipped with French hardware and Polish-supplied Leopard tanks. Despite early desertion issues during training in France, the unit eventually stabilized its performance on the Pokrovsk front. That progress is now overshadowed by allegations that Luchanov ordered nine subordinates to abduct and kill two civilians in the Kyiv region on June 28. While most suspects were detained shortly after the crime, Luchanov evaded capture until a recent arrest in Kyiv.

Analysts link the brigade’s current turmoil to Luchanov’s professional background as former chief of staff for the 425th Separate Assault Regiment, known as Skala. Critics suggest that authoritarian practices imported from Skala have eroded morale and discipline. While the 425th Regiment has formally denied any systemic connection to the crime, the incident has reignited debates regarding command accountability and the integration of specialized assault units into the broader military structure.