An investigation by Ukrainian media outlet Babel has brought forth serious allegations against the 425th Separate Assault Regiment, also known as 'Skelya,' claiming that its own soldiers have been subjected to torture, beatings, and deliberate neglect, resulting in deaths that are officially attributed to natural causes.
According to the report, at least 25 Ukrainian soldiers have died at a training center run by the regiment over the past six months. Many of the deceased reportedly showed signs of abuse, and claims suggest that medical care was intentionally delayed. A witness described high-ranking members referring to new recruits as 'disposables.'
The investigation suggests that mistreatment within the regiment may be systematic. Soldiers are allegedly kept in conditions described as prisoner-of-war camps, surrounded by mines and guarded by armed personnel. Despite visible signs of abuse on bodies, deaths are frequently recorded as pneumonia or heart problems.
Reports indicate that soldiers within Skelya are sometimes forced to fight each other for the entertainment of others. The unit has allegedly mobilized individuals with pre-existing conditions such as HIV, tuberculosis, and hepatitis C, as well as those struggling with heroin addiction. These soldiers are reportedly denied necessary medication, including methadone for addicts and essential treatments for illnesses.
Allegations of Abuse and Suspicious Deaths
Ukrainian soldier Oleksandr Semenov, who claims to have survived his time in Skelya, provided testimony detailing severe mistreatment. Semenov, whose injuries were documented in a video, described being beaten and dragged along the ground by a quad bike. He stated that within a four-day period, he knew of at least nine soldiers who died by suicide, attributing their actions to the harsh conditions. Semenov himself died of pneumonia a few days after his video was shared, according to reports.
Another case highlighted is that of Dmytro Koval, who died 15 days after being mobilized to the unit. His wife reported that his body was unrecognizable due to severe beatings. A fellow soldier stated that Koval was assaulted, including being hit on the head and thrown multiple times, after refusing to serve on religious grounds. Koval's official cause of death was listed as cardiomyopathy.
Arkadiy, a resident of Kharkiv, recounted being forcibly conscripted into Skelya despite having medical exemptions and being a key worker. He alleges he was assaulted by draft officers during his apprehension. At the training camp, he described conditions akin to imprisonment, with mined perimeters and armed guards escorting soldiers even to latrines. Arkadiy claims he was shot in the arm and leg when he attempted to escape. His companion, who was recaptured, was allegedly beaten and held in a pit for three weeks.
Official Response
Following the publication of Babel's investigation, Ukrainian authorities have launched criminal investigations into the unit. Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine's commander-in-chief, described the claims as 'shameful' and confirmed that criminal cases have been initiated. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has not yet commented on the matter.