Between late 2025 and spring 2026, at least 26 recruits from the 425th Separate Assault Regiment “Skelya” died under circumstances not related to combat. Families of the deceased have raised allegations regarding delayed medical assistance and potential violence, claims that the regiment’s leadership has denied.
Investigations by journalists have revealed that many of the recruits succumbed to pneumonia, cardiovascular diseases, and other ailments shortly after their mobilization. Among those who passed away were individuals aged between 31 and 53, with varying medical histories.
One notable case involves 34-year-old Vitaliy Saltan, who was mobilized on January 26, 2026, and died in a hospital on February 22 from pneumonia. Reports indicate that he was admitted with critically low oxygen saturation levels. His family contends that medical intervention was provided too late, as he had been experiencing high fever prior to his hospitalization.
In contrast, the regiment’s commander, Andriy Suray, asserted that medical care was adequate, claiming that an inspection by representatives of the Ground Forces found no violations. However, a representative from the Office of the Military Ombudsman, Ruslan Tsygankov, reported that the inspection revealed issues with the regiment’s medical provisions.
Another case highlighted concerns surrounding the treatment of recruits. Fifty-year-old Dmytro Koval died in a military vehicle on March 21, 2026, shortly after being mobilized. His family reported that he exhibited signs of physical abuse, and witnesses alleged that he suffered mistreatment during his training.
Witnesses have implicated two medics and a range officer in Koval’s alleged mistreatment. Despite initial investigations finding no signs of foul play, the family pursued a criminal case, leading to a second autopsy.
In another incident, 32-year-old Volodymyr Tsukanov, who was mobilized on January 15, died in a hospital on February 11. His death was attributed to respiratory and cardiac failure, but autopsy results also indicated blunt force trauma and multiple rib fractures. Police investigations suggest that he may have been severely beaten prior to his death.
Suray has publicly stated that while instances of violence do occur, they are not systemic within the regiment. He emphasized that the command is actively addressing these issues and that there is no policy encouraging violence.
The Office of the Military Ombudsman has indicated that the number of non-combat deaths in “Skelya” is disproportionately higher than in other military units, raising questions about medical care and overall treatment of recruits. The regiment has received a significant number of complaints, accounting for 5.1% of over 9,000 grievances reported to the Ombudsman’s office.
Despite the ongoing scrutiny, officials from “Skelya” maintain that they are committed to improving conditions within the unit and addressing any allegations of misconduct. They assert that the number of deaths reported is not indicative of a broader issue within the regiment.
The 425th Separate Assault Regiment "Skelya" faces scrutiny following the deaths of at least 26 recruits from non-combat causes, with families alleging inadequate medical care and possible abuse. Investigations reveal systemic issues in medical support and treatment within the unit, prompting calls for accountability.