In Odessa, a soldier pleaded guilty to accepting a bribe in exchange for assistance with a transfer

In Odesa, a verdict was handed down against a servicemember who, in exchange for a bribe, promised to help another servicemember transfer to a different unit and influence the decision of the Medical Examination Commission. The man fully admitted his guilt, and the court took into account his participation in combat operations.

The Kyiv District Court of Odesa handed down the sentence.

According to the case file, the man held the position of chief administrator in the administrative department and held the military rank of senior private. In early March 2026, he offered another servicemember money to facilitate his transfer to one of the Marine Brigade’s military units in the Odesa region.

He also promised to influence the decision of the military medical commission regarding the serviceman’s fitness for service in support, logistics, communications, and other units. According to the prosecution, the transfer was intended to help the serviceman avoid criminal liability for illegal possession of firearms.

On March 13, the men met near a residential complex in Odesa. During the meeting, the defendant clarified the terms of the agreement and specified the amount of the payment—$6,800. On March 16, he received the money in the parking lot of that same residential complex. After the money was handed over, law enforcement officers detained the man.

In court, the man fully admitted his guilt. The court took into account his participation in combat operations, his prior service in the ATO zone, illnesses related to his service in defense of Ukraine, as well as his cooperation in solving the crime.

As a result, the man was found guilty of accepting a bribe to influence a public official’s decision. He was fined 510,000 hryvnias. The verdict may be appealed within 30 days of its announcement.

Анна Літман