Ukraine: Brazilian Recruit’s Death Exposes Abuse in Foreign Fighter Unit
Allegations of abuse and torture within a Ukrainian military intelligence unit have surfaced, centering around the Advanced Company, a unit comprised of foreign fighters. Reports indicate a pattern of coercive control and violence directed towards recruits, culminating in the death of a Brazilian national.
Systematic Abuse Alleged Within Foreign Fighter Unit
The Advanced Company, operating under the Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) and led by Leanderson Paulino, is accused of subjecting new recruits to harsh conditions and physical abuse. According to testimonies, recruits had their passports confiscated, were confined to the base, and were not issued what is referred to as a “green book.” One former soldier described the unit as a place “where people were tortured, and abuse was normal.”
The Death of Bruno Gabriel Leal da Silva
Bruno Gabriel Leal da Silva, a 28-year-old Brazilian recruit, reportedly fell victim to this alleged abuse in December 2025. On the night of his death, after being intoxicated, he was forced to fight another soldier in the base while wearing boxing gloves as punishment. He was then taken to a location described as a “container” by a group acting under Paulino’s orders, where screams and sounds of beating were heard. Da Silva’s body was discovered in the snow the following morning, bearing signs of severe beating.
Testimonies suggest that Paulino implemented “coercive methods to gain control over the recruits.” The abuses reportedly fall into three categories: “initiation-style ‘training’ that escalated into torture,” spontaneous beatings for minor infractions, and, in the most severe cases, “torture sessions” involving prolonged beatings in basements.
A Climate of Fear and Retaliation
A pervasive fear of retribution reportedly silenced potential witnesses. Individuals who spoke out were allegedly threatened with harm to themselves and their families, even in Brazil. During the investigation following da Silva’s death, soldiers reportedly felt pressured to remain silent, fearing for their lives if they spoke truthfully. One former member stated the unit’s operations were “about power – about tying someone up and beating them, humiliating them.”
Specific acts of alleged torture included beatings, burning with hot liquids, submersion in cold water, electric shock, whipping, waterboarding, suffocation with plastic bags, binding, sexual assault with objects, and prolonged detention without food or water. One former member recounted being taken for punishment on a false accusation, being bound, having his phone confiscated, being doused with cold water, and repeatedly beaten while being threatened with fabricated charges to justify his death.
Another former member reported being detained and beaten after attempting to leave the unit, fearing for his life. He described being bound, assaulted, threatened with a weapon, and subjected to cold air and water before being re-imprisoned. A doctor dismissed his complaints of severe injuries, stating, “This is normal.”
Ukrainian authorities have acknowledged da Silva’s death and launched an investigation. Prosecutors have stated that police have initiated a preliminary investigation following the discovery of his body on the territory of a military unit in Kyiv, and the military ombudsman’s office has ordered a review of the Advanced Company.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the role of Leanderson Paulino in the alleged abuses?
Leanderson Paulino led the Advanced Company and is accused of overseeing the abuse of subordinates, and in some cases, participating in it directly.
What types of abuse were reported within the Advanced Company?
Reports detail a range of abuses, including beatings, torture during “training,” and prolonged detention under harsh conditions, as well as more extreme acts like burning, electric shock, and sexual assault.
What actions have been taken in response to the allegations?
Ukrainian authorities have acknowledged Bruno Gabriel Leal da Silva’s death and have initiated investigations by both the police and the military ombudsman’s office.
Given the serious nature of these allegations, what safeguards are necessary to ensure the humane treatment of all individuals involved in international conflicts?