U.S. General Lost ‘Secret’ Maps on Train in Ukraine and Got a Concussion from Falling After Boozy 6-Hour Dinner: Report

A recent report from the U.S. Department of Defense has raised serious concerns regarding the conduct of a now-retired Army general, Antonio Aguto Jr., who played a pivotal role in coordinating American military assistance to Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. The investigation highlights significant lapses in responsibility, including the misplacement of classified documents and troubling behaviour attributed to excessive alcohol consumption.

In April 2024, while journeying from Poland to Ukraine, Major General Aguto was responsible for transporting sensitive military maps. During the return trip, these classified documents were accidentally left on a train and were only recovered a day later by a Ukrainian train attendant, who handed them over to the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv. The Pentagon’s inspector general later confirmed that the maps had been left unsecured and declared that while Aguto claimed they were not compromised, this incident raised questions about the protocols for handling sensitive information.

Aguto, who had been the head of the U.S. Army’s Security Assistance Group-Ukraine (SAG-U), admitted to taking responsibility for the mishap, asserting, “I am the senior guy,” despite denying that he had direct control over the documents. His remarks indicated that he believed it was standard for his staff to manage such logistics, but he ultimately recognised his senior position in the command chain.

The report further details another troubling incident involving Aguto from May 2024, which took place during a dinner in Kyiv, where he consumed significant quantities of Georgian brandy known as chacha. Witnesses reported that Aguto appeared “moderately to severely concussed” following multiple falls during that evening and the following morning. Concern was raised by then-U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink, who noted that Aguto had difficulties articulating his thoughts and a distinct smell of alcohol, prompting fears that he might have been drugged.

Brink described Aguto as looking dishevelled and unwell, with visible injuries including a torn jacket and a mark on his forehead. Disturbingly, an aide corroborated these observations, noting Aguto’s slurred speech and uncharacteristic behaviour, which was a stark departure from his usual conduct.

Despite his aides urging him to forgo a critical meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other officials due to his condition, Aguto insisted on attending. He described his determination to show up despite feeling “blurry and a little confused.” On his way to the embassy, he fell again, sustaining additional injuries. This incident sparked further apprehension among his staff regarding his ability to perform his duties effectively.

The report provided insights into Aguto’s drinking habits, suggesting that it was common during meals to engage in toasts, yet the extent of his consumption that evening seemed excessive. Following the events of that day, Aguto was diagnosed with a concussion and subsequently transferred to a military hospital in Germany, where he was placed on light duty for a week.

The inspector general’s findings stemmed from comprehensive testimony, including accounts from 33 witnesses, comprising service members and State Department employees. Alongside the concerns surrounding Aguto’s alcohol consumption and management of sensitive material, other allegations were highlighted, including claims of unprofessional conduct and discussions of classified information in insecure settings. These accusations were referred to the Army Criminal Investigation Division for further scrutiny.

In August 2024, Aguto stepped down from his command of the SAG-U and completed his military service. The implications of the recent findings underscore the critical importance of accountability within military leadership, particularly in high-stakes international contexts.

PEOPLE has reached out to General Aguto for his perspective on the report and its conclusions but has not yet received a response. As the investigation continues to attract attention, the U.S. Army and Department of Defense face increased scrutiny over ensuring that military personnel uphold the principles of integrity and responsibility in their roles.