After Investigation, Commander-in-Chief Mykhailo Drapatyi Orders Official Review of 225th Separate Assault Regiment

225th Separate Assault Regiment Faces Official Review After 'Blocking Detachments' Allegations

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces Mykhailo Drapatyi has ordered an official review of the 225th Separate Assault Regiment after an investigative report by journalist Anna Kalyuzhna. The report alleged possible acts of violence and unlawful orders inside the unit. The Military Law Enforcement Service is now expected to check the claims, which include threats of execution, firing on troops, blocking detachments, and other violations. The allegations are particularly sensitive for Ukraine's military as it works to preserve discipline and public confidence amid the war.

Testimony from Service Members

The investigation is based on accounts from nearly ten service members who described alleged illegal practices in the 225th during fighting on the Kursk, Belgorod, and Zaporizhzhia axes. Witnesses include soldiers from the regiment, personnel from attached units, and officers; some spoke anonymously. The allegations presented in the report include:

• threats of execution;
• opening fire on troops who were withdrawing or refusing orders;
• blocking detachments.

Oleksandr Shyrshyn, an officer with the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade, said he witnessed an artillery strike on a group of Ukrainian troops pulling back from their positions. The investigation also includes witness accounts of troops being unlawfully held in a school basement in the Sumy region, soldiers being tied up before going on combat missions, and the possible use of FPV drones against the unit's own wounded.

The 225th Separate Assault Regiment has previously denied having blocking detachments, saying the reports emerged after events near Huliaipole in 2025, when, after losing control of territorial defense units, assault troops detained soldiers for checks. Shortly before the investigation was published, the regiment issued an ironic "apology" in which it said it was "forced to rescue extremely difficult situations" and "sincerely apologizes for faithfully serving the Ukrainian people."

In response to Kalyuzhna's inquiry, the Main Communications Directorate of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said that if the facts of illegal actions are confirmed, those responsible will face consequences under current law. The journalist said this was the only official response from state bodies so far and that she was not aware of any separate criminal case opened over the article's findings. The report was published by the Rubryka website.

The official review of the 225th Separate Assault Regiment in light of the published accusations could be an important step in addressing possible abuse in military units. If the facts of violence and other violations are confirmed, it could lead to serious consequences for those who committed crimes. Investigations of this kind may also increase public confidence in Ukraine's Armed Forces by showing a willingness to be open and accountable.

The scrutiny of military conduct is becoming increasingly critical as recent events unfold in Ukraine. In a related incident, a commander from another brigade is currently wanted in connection with the alleged kidnapping of two brothers, raising concerns about the integrity and accountability within the armed forces. For more details on this troubling development, refer to the full report on the commander's charges.