Controversial head of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces is dismissed: Ukrainska Pravda learns who will succeed him

Roman Hladkyi has been dismissed as chief of staff of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces. Hladkyi became embroiled in a high-profile controversy following his appointment in the summer of 2024. Ukrainska Pravda has learned that his successor is Colonel Oleksii Halabuda, former commander of the 28th Separate Mechanised Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Source: Ukraine's Defence Ministry in a comment to Ukrainska Pravda

Quote from the Defence Ministry: "Following an inspection conducted by the Security Service of Ukraine, it has been determined that Roman Hladkyi can no longer remain as Chief of Staff of the Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

As a result, he was dismissed from his position on 14 October 2024 and reassigned as a reserve officer in a reserve battalion.

This decision was made after completing all necessary procedures and conducting a thorough review aimed at enhancing the unit's efficiency and its ability to respond to modern challenges."

Details: The Defence Ministry told Ukrainska Pravda that Colonel Oleksii Halabuda, former commander of the 28th Separate Mechanised Brigade, has been appointed as the new chief of staff of the Unmanned Systems Forces.

Background: 

• Roman Hladkyi’s appointment as chief of staff of the Unmanned Systems Forces in the summer of 2024 was greeted with outrage on social media.
• The DeepState military analysis project said Hladkyi was suspected of treason, espionage and corruption. His wife holds Russian citizenship and his daughter has represented Russia in sports competitions.
• The Ukrainian military rejected all the allegations.
• The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) stated on 3 September that it did not conduct a check of Roman Hladkyi before he was appointed chief of staff of the Unmanned Systems Forces, as "it is not required by law" for that position.
• Later, the SSU press service further stated the following: "The Security Service of Ukraine conducted a check of Roman Hladkyi in 2020 in connection with his access to state secrets."
• Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi announced on 3 September that the SSU should carry out additional special vetting of Roman Hladkyi.

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