Zelenskyy: Assault troops are awaiting reforms following the Skelya scandal
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that changes will be made to the Assault Troops of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. According to him, the transformation will affect both the treatment of service members and the command structure. The statement came amid a scandal surrounding the 425th Separate Assault Regiment “Skelya,” where there were reports of possible incidents of violence and mistreatment of soldiers.
Zelenskyy emphasized that numerous problems have accumulated within the Assault Troops that require resolution. He said that priority will be given to improving the treatment of personnel, as people must remain the army’s greatest asset. “The necessary transformation of the Assault Forces will be carried out. There are many issues and problems that need to be resolved, first and foremost regarding the treatment of personnel,” the president stated.
He also reported that law enforcement agencies have already been involved in the investigation. According to Zelenskyy, the necessary procedural steps are currently underway to clarify all the circumstances. “Law enforcement agencies are taking procedural steps,” the head of state said.
In addition, the president announced personnel and organizational changes in the leadership of the Assault Forces. At the same time, he did not specify exactly who would be affected or when the changes would take effect. “There will also be changes at the command level of the Assault Forces,” Zelenskyy emphasized.
The president’s statement came after widespread public outcry surrounding the 425th Separate Assault Regiment “Skelya.” Reports emerged in the public sphere regarding possible incidents of violence and mistreatment of service members in this unit. It was following this that law enforcement agencies began investigating the alleged incidents. The 425th Separate Assault Regiment “Skelya” is part of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The unit was initially formed as a battalion and later granted the status of a separate regiment.
At this time, the president has not disclosed details of the upcoming reform. At the same time, his statement suggests that the changes will concern not only specific personnel decisions but also approaches to unit management and the organization of service, in order to address the issues that have become the subject of public debate. The head of state mentioned this in his evening address.
The State Bureau of Investigations is conducting an investigation into possible incidents of violence and cruel treatment of service members in the 425th Separate Assault Regiment “Skelya.”
The 425th Separate Assault Regiment “Skelya” stated that more than 500 service members with documented drug addiction have been sent for treatment. They also explained the origin of the figure—approximately 2,000 service members with addiction—previously 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.
