The commander of the 425th Special Forces Battalion "Skelya" has been suspended pending an internal investigation
Lieutenant Colonel Yuriy Garkavyi, commander of the 425th Separate Assault Regiment “Skelya,” was suspended from his duties on June 24 pending an official investigation. The decision was made while an investigation into the circumstances of his activities is underway.
The General Staff reported that thorough investigations are ongoing regarding the 425th Separate Assault Regiment “Skelya.”
“Law enforcement officials are working within the unit and are receiving the full cooperation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In particular, the State Bureau of Investigations is conducting a pre-trial investigation into possible unlawful actions against the regiment’s servicemembers.”
Additionally, according to the General Staff, a comprehensive commission headed by one of the deputy chiefs of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is already working at the military unit.
“As of June 24, for the duration of the inspections and investigations, the regiment commander has been suspended from his duties. If the criminal offenses mentioned in the publications are confirmed, those responsible will certainly be held accountable in accordance with the law. Furthermore, if cases of officials exceeding their authority and violations of servicemembers’ rights are confirmed, the high command will take appropriate organizational and personnel decisions.”
The ministry added in a comment to Ukrainska Pravda that the unit and command at all levels “are facilitating a comprehensive investigation and cooperating with law enforcement agencies, the Office of the Military Ombudsman, and media representatives.”
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.
Azad Safarov, chief producer for the British television channel Sky News in Ukraine and a documentary filmmaker, reported on an armed incident involving servicemen from the 425th Separate Assault Regiment “Skelya,” which took place in March 2025 near Dobropillia.
