Kathrine Frich
The controversy erupted just weeks after President Volodymyr Zelensky announced plans to form the new division.
Colonel Valentin Manko, who has been named as the future commander of Ukraine’s new assault troop division, is facing criticism after allegedly publishing photos showing classified military maps on social networks.
Alleged leak online
The new assault troop unit, announced in September 2025, has not yet been officially established.
However, images shared by Manko appeared to show maps marked “Secret.” The photos circulated quickly online, prompting public debate and internal scrutiny.
According to the Ukrainian outlet tsn.ua, Manko denied any wrongdoing, saying the materials were not classified.
He insisted the images showed only Google Maps screenshots with his own personal notes. “This is a regular Google map, on which I personally marked what is ours and what is not,” he said.
Manko’s response
The colonel suggested his post was meant as a joke aimed at misleading Russia. “I published it to confuse the enemy,” he claimed.
“And the Russians are fooling Putin.Now let them burn in hell. Run, raise a flag and that’s it. Then, in ten to thirty minutes, I die together with that rag and I don’t say anything.”
In a later comment, Manko added that the photos were taken while he was “relaxing in the company of the puppy, nothing more.”
He also shared what appeared to be a more detailed map “in case someone wants to take a closer look.”
Past controversies
This is not the first time Manko’s name has drawn public attention.
In 2014, he was mentioned in connection with an extortion case during Ukraine’s anti-terrorist operation in the Donbas region.
He has also faced criticism for being filmed dancing to Russian music during wartime.
The incident has once again highlighted the sensitivity surrounding the use of social media by military personnel, especially those involved in command positions.
Ukrainian officials have not yet commented publicly on whether any disciplinary measures will follow.
Sources: Ziare.com, TSN.ua, Reuters, BBC, AP
This article is made and published by Kathrine Frich, who may have used AI in the preparation
