Skelia Assault Regiment Commander Suspended From Duty Amid Investigation Into Alleged Abuse
The State Bureau of Investigation is examining allegations of abuse and at least 26 noncombat deaths after a media report prompted inspections.
- On Thursday, June 25, the General Staff suspended Lieutenant Colonel Yurii Harkavyi, commander of the 425th Separate Assault Regiment 'Skelia,' following a media investigation into allegations of recruit torture and noncombat deaths within the unit.
- A Babel investigation published on June 23 reported that at least 26 recruits died between late 2025 and spring 2026, with relatives and former soldiers alleging the regiment was plagued by inadequate medical care and physical abuse.
- During a press conference on Friday, Skelia press officer Andrii Surai confirmed 25 of the 26 deaths, while the Ground Forces stated they 'categorically do not tolerate violations of statutory norms.'
- The State Bureau of Investigation launched a pre-trial inquiry into alleged abuses, and a commission headed by the Deputy Chief of the General Staff is working in Skelia to establish circumstances and identify those responsible.
- Military ombudsman Olha Reshetylova described the case as 'straightforward criminal conduct, allegedly committed by organized groups of individuals,' as the General Staff stated that if criminal offenses are confirmed, the higher command will make relevant organizational and personnel decisions.
20 Articles
20 Articles
Commander of the 425th separate Scala attack regiment of the USF is suspended during the investigation initiated following the publication of torture in the unit and the high number of deaths among the military "not related to hostilities", which was officially announced on 25 June by the General Staff of the U.S.U.
A Ukrainian storm regiment is under pressure because of alleged violence against its own soldiers. The allegations are made by a unit that receives many newly mobilized men and is regularly involved in risky operations.
Kiev suspended the leader of an assault regiment targeted by charges of internal violence and suspicious death resulting from a press investigation. The Ukrainian army and the State Bureau of Investigations launched checks to establish the facts.
The commander of a Ukrainian assault regiment was suspended from his duties, announced Thursday Kiev, after the publication of a journalistic investigation alleging ill-treatment and death...
It is not yet known who will serve as commander on an interim basis.
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