Overview
- A Defense Department inspector general report released March 12 confirms a tube of Secret-classified maps was left on a State Department–chartered train for about 24 hours before recovery by U.S. Embassy Ukraine staff.
- Investigators found the maps were improperly transported without a courier or proper wrapping and recommended referral to U.S. European Command’s Special Security Office along with unspecified appropriate action by the Army secretary.
- The report details a May 2024 dinner in Kyiv where the commander drank heavily, suffered multiple falls, and was later diagnosed with a concussion that impaired him during high-level meetings the next day.
- The IG concluded the impairment stemmed from overindulgence in alcohol and noted no valid waiver for exceeding the two-drink guideline, while the officer said he believed he had verbal approval to drink at the event.
- Allegations of a toxic command climate were not substantiated, though the probe documented poor living conditions, high tempo, and low morale; the officer relinquished command and retired in August 2024, and SAG-U now operates under new leadership.