The Army promises to address the scandal in the Skelya Regiment, but it will take time
The Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Ground Forces responded to high-profile media reports regarding the situation in the 425th Separate Assault Regiment “Skelya” and announced the launch of an official investigation by the relevant authorities.
Military leadership officially emphasized that no combat necessity, intensity of training, or unit reputation can justify violence, humiliation, or indifference to the lives of service members. Since the disclosed facts cover events that took place over an extended period, the collection and analysis of evidence will require some time to reach accurate and legally sound conclusions.
The command has assured that it is keeping the investigation under control, and the administration of the “Skelya” regiment itself is currently cooperating fully with the investigation. If the facts of unlawful actions against personnel are confirmed, appropriate legal, personnel, and administrative decisions will be made. The Army also urged service members, their families, and potential witnesses not to limit themselves to emotional assessments in the media, but to officially report any available information regarding violations to the Military Law Enforcement Service (VSP), the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR), the Office of the Military Ombudsman, or the command’s hotline.
Source: official statement by the Army Command on Telegram.
Earlier, the 425th Separate Assault Regiment “Skelya” denied allegations of beatings of conscripts who subsequently 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.
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.
