Investigation after the clip: facts and context
The Military Law Enforcement Service has opened a case after a video by Russian forces appeared claiming the alleged capture of a command-and-observation post (COP) in Huliaipole, as reported by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), Oleksandr Syrskyi, in an interview with Channel 24. This incident is important not only as an element of enemy propaganda — it concerns a possible data leak, lost equipment and operational gaps.
What the clip showed and what the AFU confirm
The published footage shows items, flags and equipment left at the COP. According to Syrskyi, the cause of the temporary problems in the sector was a lack of resilience by a territorial defense unit — the 102nd brigade "gradually withdrew," which necessitated shifting assault units to restore control.
"So they could have simply burned everything. I know they had time for that, and enemy forces there were limited."
— Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (interview with Channel 24)
Syrskyi noted that command was receiving reinforcements — the 5th Assault Brigade effectively reached two streets from the COP, and the 225th Assault Regiment is currently holding the defense in the Huliaipole area. Commanders are conducting active assault operations and reinforcing the sector.
Propaganda, risks and operational consequences
There are two interconnected risks. First, the mere fact of the video's appearance gives the enemy an informational effect — even if the position was quickly retaken, the clip can be used to showcase "success." Second, if data carriers or equipment were left at the COP, this creates a real threat to the security of operations and personnel.
At the same time, the AFU reject part of the occupiers' claims: on December 27 Russia reported the alleged capture of Huliaipole and Myrnohrad — information the AFU denied. On December 28 an AFU spokesman told LIGA.net that the Russians were preparing to mine the access routes to Huliaipole with drones — classic steps to complicate rotation and logistics.
What the investigation means and what the consequences may be
The Military Law Enforcement Service will provide a legal assessment of the actions, including those of the battalion commander who, according to Syrskyi, did not carry out the order to organize all-round defense and destroy confidential data carriers. This is a matter of discipline, but also of standards for maintaining secrecy and rehearsing withdrawal procedures under enemy pressure.
Experts and analysts point to the need for systemic lessons: from operational planning and force rotation to establishing simple yet critical procedures for destroying or evacuating data carriers. It is precisely such technical details that often determine whether the enemy will use material for propaganda purposes or to plan further attacks.
Conclusion — what’s next
The investigation should show not only individual mistakes but also the mechanisms for preventing them. While the front remains tense, the key is to turn the response to the incident into clear procedures so that isolated lapses do not become systemic risks. Whether what has been done is enough for this is a question awaited by both the military and society.
