The Operations of the 425th Separate Assault Regiment 'Skelya'
The 425th Separate Assault Regiment 'Skelya' remains active on the front lines, engaged in combat operations while facing accusations of harsh management and an assault on a soldier from the 155th Separate Mechanized Brigade. In an interview, the regiment’s deputy commander, Kostiantyn Rusanov, addressed these issues, highlighting cooperation with the military ombudsman’s office and expressing gratitude to Hollywood actor Dwayne Johnson, who recorded a video message for the unit.
Formed as a volunteer unit in 2022, the 425th Separate Assault Regiment 'Skelya' has participated in numerous combat operations, including the Kharkiv counteroffensive, the defense of Bakhmut and Pokrovsk, battles in the Zaporizhzhia region (Robotyne), and fighting near Kupiansk. As of April 2026, the regiment’s soldiers are operating across nine sectors under various task forces, corps, and brigades. In late March, 'Skelya' units successfully cleared the settlement of Minkivka on the Kramatorsk axis.
Incidents and Accomplishments
According to Rusanov, a soldier with the call sign 'Hollandets' held a position for 108 consecutive days, while three 'Skelya' fighters held out in Pokrovsk for 67 days, eliminating approximately 50 enemy combatants. In a notable incident, a 'Skelya' fighter ventured 15 kilometers behind enemy lines to rescue comrades. Rusanov stated: 'A video surfaced online showing an assault on a soldier from the 155th Separate Mechanized Brigade, with a suspect from the 425th OShP. The State Bureau of Investigation is handling the case, and the perpetrator has been detained.'
Kostiantyn Rusanov, who has been with 'Skelya' since 2022, has since become the commander of the 210th Battalion of Unmanned Systems. 'Burying your comrades. The fate of any unit commander carrying out combat missions is a heavy burden,' he remarked. Rusanov began his service as a stormtrooper in 'Skelya,' with his first task being the evacuation of the body of a fallen reconnaissance soldier from the 93rd Brigade, Oleksandr Feshtryha (call sign 'Sakura'). He was wounded near Izium in 2022 and spent two months in a hospital. He also participated in the evacuation of the body of activist Roman Ratushnyi.
The 'Skelya' regiment is actively expanding, having launched basic military training at its bases. Rusanov noted that the response time for updating the training program is just two days. 'The military units involved in these events are providing comprehensive assistance to establish an objective picture,' he said, emphasizing the importance of collective effort.
'The regiment operates on the principle: the more sweat on the training ground, the less blood on the battlefield,' Rusanov added.
'The army is a cross-section of society. That’s why 'Skelya' welcomes all kinds of people,' he stated, stressing that all fighters take pride in the 'Skelya' patch. Earlier, Hollywood actor Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson recorded a video for the 425th OShP, addressing commander Yurii Harkavyi (call sign 'Skelya'). According to Rusanov, 'Given the volume of work assigned to the regiment, I would say our losses are minimal.' 'Our unit, which started as a small detachment in 2022, has become the largest unit in the Armed Forces of Ukraine by 2026,' Rusanov concluded, highlighting the regiment’s achievements amid the challenging conditions of war.
The activities of the 425th Separate Assault Regiment 'Skelya' reflect the complexity and dynamism of modern combat environments. Incidents involving allegations of harsh management and disciplinary breaches underscore the critical need for proper leadership and oversight within military units. The current situation could affect the regiment’s reputation and its ability to carry out combat missions, making it essential that the investigation proceeds objectively and without delay.