Recent deaths of three soldiers from the “Skelya” assault brigade have prompted scrutiny regarding the provision of medical care during military training. Vitaliy Saltan, Andriy Cherednichenko, and Dmytro Ivanchenko all succumbed to pneumonia shortly after their mobilization, raising questions among their families about the adequacy of medical support provided during their training.
Vitaliy Saltan, who was mobilized on January 26, 2026, died without ever reaching the training grounds. His family reported that he fell ill shortly after joining the brigade, yet did not receive timely medical attention. His girlfriend, Anastasia, expressed confusion over the lack of proper care, stating, “I believe if he had received timely treatment for pneumonia, he would be alive today.” Saltan was hospitalized on February 16 and passed away on February 22 at the age of 34.
Andriy Cherednichenko, who was mobilized shortly after Saltan, also developed pneumonia and died in an ambulance on February 14, after suffering for over a week. His wife, Yelyzaveta, recounted her distress at discovering his death while she was in Poland with their children, stating, “Ten days I searched for him alive, only to find out he had already died.”
Dmytro Ivanchenko, mobilized on January 6, was hospitalized on January 29 and died on February 8 after being placed in a medically induced coma. His partner, Anna, described her shock at seeing him in critical condition when she finally reached him in the hospital.
In response to these incidents, the families of the deceased have sought answers from military authorities and medical personnel. Investigations have been initiated by local police and the Military Ombudsman’s Office. However, as of late March, no substantial progress has been reported in these inquiries.
Reports indicate that the “Skelya” brigade has faced a significant number of respiratory illnesses among its ranks, attributed to overcrowding and stress during training. A military medic, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the brigade has seen a rise in pneumonia cases, which has been linked to the high density of personnel and seasonal illness outbreaks.
The brigade’s command has stated that they are conducting internal reviews of medical practices and conditions in training units. Despite these efforts, families of the deceased soldiers remain frustrated by the perceived lack of accountability and transparency regarding the circumstances of their loved ones’ deaths.
In a statement, the brigade’s leadership emphasized that they have implemented measures to improve health monitoring and medical care within the unit. However, the families of Saltan, Cherednichenko, and Ivanchenko continue to seek clarity on the medical decisions made during their treatment.
As investigations continue, the broader implications of these cases highlight ongoing concerns about the adequacy of medical support for soldiers in training, a situation that has prompted calls for systemic reforms within military healthcare.
The deaths of three soldiers from the 'Skelya' brigade due to pneumonia have raised serious concerns about the adequacy of medical care in military training units. Families are demanding accountability and clarity regarding the circumstances surrounding these fatalities, as investigations into the incidents are ongoing.