Colonel in Rivne region charged with forcing subordinates to work on private renovation

Private renovation at the expense of duty time

The Rivne Specialized Prosecutor's Office in the Sphere of Defence of the Western Region has sent an indictment to court regarding a 51-year-old colonel. The officer previously held the positions of deputy commander of a military unit and chief of staff. According to the investigation, he systematically involved two subordinates in carrying out construction work on a private plot.

According to the case materials, from January 2025 to May 2026, the servicemen, instead of performing their direct duties, worked almost daily at a facility where the accused himself resided. This was his mother-in-law's home.

What the soldiers did and the consequences

During the investigation, it was established that the soldiers were engaged in roof repair, pouring the foundation, installing a fence, and landscaping the area around the house. An official vehicle was used to transport construction materials.

As compensation for this work, the colonel provided his subordinates with certain privileges, including exemption from duty rosters. Despite their actual involvement in private work, the military personnel continued to receive their salary and additional rewards. The total amount of funds illegally transferred from the state budget for the specified period amounted to almost 536,000 hryvnias.

Search and seizure of ammunition

During investigative actions, law enforcement officers conducted a search of the colonel's residence. There, they discovered and seized 552 cartridges of various calibres, of which 242 were live rounds. It was established that the man had illegally purchased these munitions and stored them at home.

Charge and decision regarding subordinates

The former deputy commander is charged with abuse of office, organising the evasion of subordinates from performing military service duties under martial law, and illegal handling of live ammunition. In addition, an order has been issued to transfer the colonel to a combat military unit.

The two servicemen who were involved in the renovation have pleaded guilty. The court has already passed sentences against them based on agreements concluded with the prosecutor.

In accordance with Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, the accused is considered innocent until their guilt is proven in court and established by a guilty verdict.

Another case in Kyiv region

Recall that previously, the State Bureau of Investigation, in cooperation with the Security Service of Ukraine, notified a commander of one of the military units in the Kyiv region of suspicion. According to the investigation, he used subordinates for the construction of his own residence for almost two and a half years.

From April 2023 to November 2025, the military personnel were effectively working on private construction. During this time, one of them was unjustifiably paid almost 800,000 UAH, and the other over 700,000 UAH. The total amount of damage to the state budget exceeded 1.5 million UAH.