‘Georgian Legion’ leaves Ukrainian Armed Forces
The Georgian National Legion, which is fighting in the Donbas as part of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, declared they were withdrawing from the 54th brigade because of the "incompetence and illegal actions of its command", as stated in aFacebook post of the military the unit.
"On December 20, 2017, the entire Georgian Legion left the 54th Brigade because of the incompetence of commander Oleksiy Maystrenko and his entourage, as well as illegal orders issued by him. We will relay the details of the operation that took place on December 16, 2017, during which 11 soldiers of the Georgian Legion and the 25th Battalion were injured, at a press conference in the coming days," the message said.
Representatives of the Legion also stated that the brigade command attempted to deport wounded Georgian soldiers from the military hospital if they "tell the truth about the unlawful orders" of the commander.
In addition, they are accusing the Ukrainian commanders of taking their personal belongings, vehicles, and ammunition, including bulletproof vests, helmets, and breech-sights provided by volunteers.
The "Georgian National Legion" was founded in 2014 to help the Ukrainian military in the Donbas. In 2016, the unit, whose personnel exceed 100 people, was included in the 54th Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces. In the history of Ukraine this is the first time foreigners were officially admitted to the armed forces.
Georgian Legion,Donbas,Armed Forces of Ukraine,Oleksiy Maystrenko,illegal orders