On 26 March 2026, the command of the International Legion under Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence ordered an internal investigation into alleged threats made against journalists who investigated the death of Brazilian volunteer Bruno Gabriel Leal da Silva, according to the Kyiv Independent.
The threats were reportedly made by Leanderson Paulino, commander of a force known as the Advanced Company, against Kyiv Independent reporter Jared Goyette and Brazilian SBT reporter Sergio Utsch. The journalists had investigated the circumstances of Leal da Silva’s death after he arrived in Ukraine as a volunteer and sought to sign a contract with the Advanced Company, part of the Revansh tactical group within the International Legion.
According to the reports, Paulino accused the journalists in his Instagram stories of receiving “Russian money” for their investigation. He also published a photo of Goyette and wrote: “Hold on, boy, this is just the beginning.” Paulino reportedly said the journalists would be “identified” and “found” so he could meet them in person.
Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence stated that the International Legion’s command had ordered an internal investigation into the threats. In its response, the agency said the Legion “supports open, constructive interaction with journalists” and does not tolerate pressure on media representatives, obstruction of journalistic activity or threats.
Utsch said he considered Paulino’s threats particularly serious because they could be interpreted as reflecting the position of the Ukrainian military more broadly. He also rejected allegations that he had received Russian money, pointing to his 30 years of professional experience, including 12 years reporting on the war in Ukraine.