What is known
The police are investigating the death of a foreign national on the territory of a military unit near Kyiv, which occurred in December 2025. The body was sent for a forensic medical examination — the final cause of death is to be determined by specialists.
According to preliminary data, the deceased was undergoing training as a volunteer. After one of the training stages he reportedly felt unwell, and the next day he died. The investigation was opened on suspicion of negligent homicide.
Claims by media and witnesses
The Kyiv Independent published a piece linking the death to alleged torture within the GUR’s International Legion — it concerns 28‑year‑old Brazilian Bruno Gabriel Leal da Silva. The publication quotes former fighters of the unit who allege disciplinary punishments, beatings and systemic abuse.
"According to The Kyiv Independent, the 28‑year‑old Brazilian allegedly died as a result of torture while undergoing training."
— The Kyiv Independent (report)
"Former fighters say he was beaten for about 40 minutes, and the next morning his body, with signs of beatings and his hands bound, was found near the base entrance."
— Testimony quoted in The Kyiv Independent
Authorities' reaction and course of the investigation
The National Police confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. The body was sent for examination — this is a critically important step that can confirm or refute the presence of physical injuries and their nature.
The editorial office of LIGA.net sought comment from the GUR, but had not received a response at the time of publication. This is a typical element of the information landscape in such cases: the absence of an immediate comment does not mean there are no internal checks, but it creates an information vacuum that is filled by media and social networks.
Why it matters
Security and trust. Incidents involving foreigners affect the willingness of volunteers to come and serve, and therefore pose personnel and reputational risks for Ukraine in a war where international support matters not only militarily but also symbolically.
Accountability of security forces. If allegations of abuse are confirmed — it would signal the need for systemic changes in disciplinary procedures and oversight of units that work with foreigners.
The international dimension. Reports by foreign media and testimony from former fighters put pressure on Ukrainian institutions: partners expect transparency and prompt conclusions from the investigation.
Initial conclusions
So far only part of the facts and a number of serious but as yet unconfirmed accusations are available. A reasonable position is to postpone final conclusions until the results of the forensic medical examination and the progress of the criminal proceedings. At the same time, the lack of a swift and clear response from the responsible bodies heightens informational noise and erodes trust.
For Ukraine this issue is not only about jurisprudence — it is about security, international image and the readiness to protect everyone who comes to help. A clear, public investigation and mechanisms to prevent such incidents are steps that now matter more than emotional statements.
"The investigation is ongoing; the body has been sent for a forensic medical examination to establish the final cause of death."
— National Police of Ukraine
What next: wait for the official conclusions of the experts and the results of the investigation; demand transparency from the responsible bodies; keep the focus on safety and accountability — this is in the interest of Ukraine as a state and its allies.
