The State Bureau of Investigation has detained a suspect in the case of violence at the Skelya Regiment
The State Bureau of Investigations is investigating possible incidents of violence and abuse against military personnel in the 425th Separate Assault Regiment “Skelya.”
The SBI reported that some criminal cases regarding the beating of soldiers had been opened even before the high-profile media reports appeared.
Following the disclosure of new facts, investigators are analyzing both the new evidence and the already open cases, examining all possible instances of unlawful conduct within the unit.
As part of one of the criminal cases, law enforcement officials have already obtained their first procedural results.
SBI officers detained and served a notice of suspicion to a servicemember who, at the time the crimes were committed, was serving in the 425th “Skelya” Regiment.
According to the investigation, he is accused of assaulting two military personnel in the Kharkiv region.
Currently, investigators are continuing to establish all the circumstances of the case and are examining other possible instances of mistreatment of military personnel within the unit.
This was reported by the SBI’s press service.
The 425th Separate Assault Regiment “Skelya” stated that more than 500 servicemembers with documented drug addiction have been referred for treatment. They also explained the origin of the figure of approximately 2,000 service members with addiction, which had previously been cited by the military ombudswoman.
Since the Military Ombudsman’s Office began its work, nine reports of possible crimes within the “Skelya” unit have been forwarded to law enforcement, Reshetilova reported. According to her, despite the identification of the instructors involved, no punishment has yet been meted out to them.
Previously, the 425th Separate Assault Regiment “Skelya” denied allegations of beating conscripts who later died, stating that the causes of death were primarily related to underlying medical conditions or accidents. The unit emphasizes that it is cooperating with the investigation and wants a full investigation into every case, without exception.
In March, at least five recruits from the 425th Separate Assault Regiment “Skelya” died less than two weeks after being mobilized. According to official data as of May 19, the causes of death were heart and lung diseases.
The 425th Separate Assault Regiment “Skelya” responded to media reports about the deaths of recruits while on duty. The unit stated that it is ready to cooperate with law enforcement and urged people not to jump to conclusions. Military officials emphasize that each case must be investigated separately.
