The Skelya Regiment brings together units under the command of the Azov Corps
The 425th Separate Assault Regiment “Skelya” carries out combat missions under the operational command of the “Azov” Corps. At the same time, the regiment is not part of the “Azov” structure; this refers specifically to operational subordination during the execution of combat missions.
This was reported by Oleksiy Bratushchak, head of the communications department of the 425th “Skelya” Regiment. According to him, the regiment’s units are currently being gradually transferred to the operational command of the “Azov” Corps. However, this process is not yet complete. Some of “Skelya’s” servicemen and units are already operating under the new structure, while the rest are still in the process of being transferred.
Separately, the regiment’s units—which were previously distributed across different sections of the front—are being consolidated. These are the so-called combined detachments. They carried out combat missions in various directions, and now there are plans to bring them together to operate in a single sector. “As of now, we are carrying out combat orders under the operational command of the ‘Azov’ Corps. Not all of our units have yet been transferred to the operational command of this corps,” Bratushchak said.
He specifically emphasized that this does not mean “Skela” is joining the “Azov” structure. The regiment remains a separate unit, but the “Azov” Corps will exercise operational command over it while it carries out combat missions. “We are not becoming part of the ‘Azov’ structure, but operational command—yes, definitely. Operational command will be exercised by the ‘Azov’ Corps,” explained the regiment’s representative.
Thus, the changes primarily concern the organization of troop command and their operations on the front lines. “Skela” units are to operate more cohesively, and the previously scattered combined detachments are planned to be concentrated in a single direction.
Why This Is Happening
The changes in command come amid a complex situation surrounding the 425th “Skelya” Regiment. In June, journalists reported on the deaths of servicemen during basic training. There were at least 26 such cases between late fall 2025 and spring 2026. According to the journalistic investigation, some of the mobilized soldiers died shortly after being drafted. Among the cited causes were severe forms of pneumonia, cardiovascular complications, and other illnesses. Relatives of the deceased also spoke of possible problems with medical care and isolated cases of physical abuse.
After the story gained publicity, law enforcement agencies and Dmytro Lubinets, the Verkhovna Rada’s Human Rights Commissioner, took an interest in the situation. The Ombudsman stated that he had taken personal charge of verifying reports of possible torture of soldiers. On June 25, the regiment itself confirmed the deaths of 25 recruits. At the same time, they emphasized that not all of these cases were directly related to the activities of “Skelya” as a unit. For the duration of the investigation, the regiment commander, Lieutenant Colonel Yuriy Garkavyi, was suspended from duty.
Subsequently, reports emerged of other possible violations. In July, relatives of the servicemen reported several more cases of death during basic training. Investigations are also underway into these incidents.
Investigations are ongoing
Law enforcement officials are separately investigating possible violence against military personnel in the regiment. On July 10, the State Bureau of Investigations reported the arrest of a “Skela” servicemember suspected of assaulting a chaplain and a lieutenant colonel. The following day, a court ordered him to be held in custody without the possibility of bail. In late July, the SBI also announced that it had charged two soldiers from the regiment’s medical company. According to investigators, they are suspected of beating and unlawfully detaining two fellow soldiers in the Kirovohrad region.
At the same time, it is important to distinguish between these criminal proceedings and the current changes in the regiment’s operational command. The mere fact of the regiment’s transfer to the operational command of the Azov Corps does not automatically mean that this decision is directly related to the investigations.
At present, it is known that the main change lies in the organizational structure of command. “Skelya” remains a separate regiment, but some of its units have already been transferred to the operational command of the Azov Corps. At the same time, the command is working to consolidate scattered units and focus their efforts on a single sector of the front. Oleksiy Bratushchak, the regiment’s communications chief, announced this on ButusovPlus on Thursday, August 13.
Recruitment for the 425th Separate Assault Regiment “Skelya” has been temporarily suspended. The reason is an audit being conducted by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine regarding the staffing of military units and the fairness of the distribution of service members.
As a reminder, Lubinets stated that the audit of the “Skelya” regiment is still ongoing, but a criminal case has already been opened.
The State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) has detained a suspect in the case of violence within the “Skelya” regiment.
A soldier from the “Skelya” regiment was taken into custody for assaulting a lieutenant colonel.
