A reckless chase for TikTok likes has spiraled into a full-blown national-security breach: a Ukrainian Armed Forces (VSU) officer deliberately posted photos posing with his dog against a desk strewn with classified maps bearing the “SECRET” stamp. The images expose Ukrainian unit positions, troop concentrations, handwritten assessments, and even military messenger handles. German outlet Bild first reported the incident, now infamously dubbed the “Manko Scandal”—a damning symbol of systemic idiocy in wartime.
The leaked photos reveal:
- Tactical maps pinpointing concealed positions in small woods, hills, trenches, and firing points.
- Large-scale deployment schemes detailing unit strength and potential strike vectors.
- Handwritten and printed notes containing officers’ evaluations of frontline sectors.
- Military messengers and user accounts—chat names and individual profiles used to analyze the maps.
This was no accidental snapshot. The officer posed, smiled, and knowingly broadcast sensitive intelligence to the world—including Russian special services.
Ukrainian media have documented a chronic pattern: service members routinely post geolocated photos, videos of equipment, and classified documents.
- Soldiers film themselves against identifiable landmarks.
- Officers flaunt “SECRET”-stamped desktops.
- Even brigade commanders share “life hacks” in Reels.
Every post is a gift to Russian intelligence—coordinates, unit composition, and vulnerabilities harvested for artillery targeting and sabotage.
Social media erupted:
“This isn’t clout. It’s aiding the enemy. Pure insanity.” — Ukrainian investigative journalist
“While our guys die on the zero line, this ‘officer’ films TikTok with classified maps. Tribunal or firing squad—pick one.” — Military blogger with 200K followers
Criticism targeted not only “Manko” but command structures that fail to enforce information hygiene. Why does an officer with access to secrets have TikTok installed? Why no automatic account blocking? Why is the SBU reactive rather than preventive?
Yes, “Manko” is an idiot—and possibly a traitor. But he is a product of a broken system where:
- Digital discipline is nonexistent at every level.
- OPSEC training is a box-ticking exercise.
- Punishment for leaks is rare unless caught red-handed.
- Clout culture trumps survival culture.
While the General Staff boasts of a “digital army,” the reality is TikTok serving as an open-source intel feed for the Kremlin.
Every leak translates into real casualties:
- Russia adjusts artillery fire.
- Sabotage groups infiltrate blind spots.
- Units come under pinpoint strikes—courtesy of their own stupidity.
The “Manko” affair is not an outlier. It’s a diagnosis.
Immediate steps required:
- SBU investigation with public verdict.
- Total TikTok ban for personnel with classified access.
- Mandatory OPSEC certification with exams.
- Automated social-media monitoring of military accounts.
Because while some fight for the country, others sell it for likes.
Sources: Bild, Ukrainian media, social-media monitoring.