26 Recruit Deaths in the 'Skelya' Assault Regiment Under Investigation by Ukraine’s State Bureau of Investigation

State Bureau of Investigation Launches Probe

According to Главком: Ukraine’s State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has initiated a pre-trial inquiry into possible misconduct within the 425th Separate Assault Regiment "Skelya," following reports of 26 recruit deaths occurring from late 2025 through spring 2026. The case has been entered into the Unified Register of Pre-Trial Investigations under Article 426-1, Part 5 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, which covers abuse of authority or official power by a military official during martial law resulting in severe consequences. This legal step signals a formal review of actions that may have led to these fatalities.

Circumstances Surrounding the Recruit Deaths

According to available information, at least 26 recruits died while serving in the 425th Separate Assault Regiment "Skelya," with most having been in the unit for less than a month. In the majority of cases, pneumonia was officially listed as the cause of death. The reports also allege violence, abuse of authority, and other potential violations by certain officials within the unit.

The SBI states that it entered the relevant data into the Unified Register to verify these claims. The investigation aims to provide a proper legal assessment of the actions of all individuals found to be involved in any potential offenses. The pre-trial inquiry is ongoing. The "Skelya" regiment has commented on the non-combat deaths of the recruits and assured its cooperation with the investigation.

This situation underscores serious concerns about service conditions and safety for recruits in military units, especially under martial law. Such troop deaths can spark public outcry and demand a reassessment of policies protecting servicemen’s rights. The outcome of the SBI investigation could significantly impact the reputation of military formations and public trust in the armed forces.