The “Skelya” regiment acknowledges problems and tightens oversight of commanders amid GBI investigation

The command of the 425th Separate Assault Regiment “Skelya” has announced active cooperation with the State Bureau of Investigations over a case of mistreatment of servicemen, and said it has strengthened oversight of commanders at all levels.

The command’s statement was published on Wednesday, July 29.

“We do not deny that certain problems may exist within the unit. But we are not hiding them and we are not tolerating them. Every specific fact must be thoroughly verified, and those responsible must be identified and held accountable in accordance with the law,” — “Skelya” emphasized.

The command also noted that the regiment is carrying out missions “on one of the most difficult sections of the front.” Regarding the GBI investigation into mistreatment by two servicemen from the medical company, the command assured that it is conducting internal reviews in parallel with the investigation.

“No combat merits, ranks, or positions can justify the humiliation of human dignity, violence, or abuse of authority,” — the command of “Skelya” stated.

Non-combat deaths in “Skelya”: a timeline of events

On June 23, the outlet Babel published an investigation reporting the deaths of at least 26 recruits from “Skelya” between late autumn 2025 and spring 2026. According to the investigation’s materials, most of the mobilized servicemen died shortly after conscription from severe forms of pneumonia, cardiovascular complications, and other illnesses. Relatives of some of the deceased publicly stated that there had likely been inadequate medical care on the part of the command, as well as isolated instances of physical violence.

Verkhovna Rada Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets said he had taken personal control of verifying information about possible torture of soldiers in “Skelya.” He held a special working meeting with then-Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrsky, after which a special monitoring group from the Ombudsman’s Office traveled to the unit’s location.

On June 25, the 425th Separate Assault Regiment confirmed the deaths of 25 recruits. The unit’s commander, Lieutenant Colonel Yuriy Harkavyi, was immediately suspended from his duties for the entire duration of the official investigation.

On July 7, relatives of servicemen who had been assigned to the “Skelya” regiment reported new deaths during basic military training. Six new episodes cover the same period — autumn 2025 through spring 2026 — with one more occurring in the summer of 2025.

On July 10, the GBI announced the detention of a regiment serviceman accused of beating a military chaplain and a lieutenant colonel. On July 11, he was remanded in custody without the right to post bail. On July 28, the GBI announced suspicion charges against two servicemen from “Skelya’s” medical company: according to investigators, they beat and unlawfully detained two fellow servicemen in Kirovohrad Oblast.