At least 26 noncombat deaths, alleged abuse reported in Skelia assault regiment, Ukrainian media investigation finds
Polina Moroziuk | June 23, 2026 | 8:01 pmAt least 26 recruits died of noncombat causes in Ukraine's 425th Separate Assault Regiment, better known as Skelia, between late 2025 and spring 2026, according to an investigation published by Ukrainian media outlet Babel on June 23.
The investigation, built on the testimonies of current and former service members in the unit, as well as relatives of mobilized soldiers, details widespread violent abuse, coercion, and inhumane conditions, especially at training bases.
Skelia is one of Ukraine's largest assault units, with more than 10,000 personnel, and is responsible for conducting assaults and rapid reaction clearing missions across the front line.
The regiment, expanded as part of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi's push to build specialized assault formations, the regiment consistently receives far more of Ukraine's newly mobilized recruits than any standard maneuver brigade.
Because of the frequency and intensity of its assault missions, Skelia has become known in Ukraine for higher-than-average battlefield losses, as well as brutal conditions inside the unit.
The deaths, which occurred shortly after mobilization and training, have prompted allegations from relatives and former servicemen of inadequate medical care and, in some cases, physical abuse within the unit. The regiment's commanders have rejected accusations of systemic wrongdoing. . . .
https://kyivindependent.com/at-least-26-non-combat-deaths-reported-among-recruits-in-ukraines-skelia-regiment-media-says/