Key facts
- Lieutenant Colonel Yurii Harkavyi, commander of Ukraine's 425th Separate Assault Regiment (Skelia), has been suspended.
- The suspension follows an investigation into alleged violations of soldiers' rights and at least 26 noncombat deaths among recruits.
- Ukraine's State Bureau of Investigation launched a pre-trial investigation into the unit.
- The Ground Forces stated they are overseeing the case to ensure objectivity and impartiality.
Lieutenant Colonel Yurii Harkavyi, the commander of Ukraine's 425th Separate Assault Regiment, also known as Skelia, has been suspended from his duties. This action comes amid an ongoing investigation into alleged abuses and violations of soldiers' rights within the unit. The scrutiny intensified after a report by Ukrainian news outlet Babel on June 23 detailed allegations of abuse and at least 26 noncombat deaths among recruits, many occurring shortly after mobilization and training.
Following the publication of the investigation, Ukraine's State Bureau of Investigation announced on June 24 that it had initiated a pre-trial investigation. The agency is examining the reported allegations to determine if military officials exceeded their authority under martial law, leading to serious consequences. As of now, no findings have been released.
The Skelia regiment, one of Ukraine's largest assault formations with over 10,000 personnel, has reportedly experienced higher-than-average battlefield losses. It was expanded as part of an initiative by Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi to create specialized assault units, and it frequently receives newly mobilized recruits and is assigned high-risk operations.
Relatives and former soldiers have alleged that the regiment suffered from inadequate medical care, coercion, and physical abuse, according to the Babel investigation, which cited various forms of evidence including testimony, medical records, and court documents. The Ground Forces of Ukraine stated on June 25 that the relevant authorities are actively working on the case to establish facts, identify responsible parties, and provide a legal assessment. They emphasized their commitment to objectivity and impartiality, asserting that no combat necessity justifies mistreatment or indifference to the health and lives of servicemen.