Death and Abuse in the 'Skelya' Regiment: An Investigation by Slidstvo.Info.

Probing the Death of Oleksandr Zavalov

According to Espreso.tv: An investigation by Slidstvo.Info has uncovered the circumstances surrounding the death of soldier Oleksandr Zavalov, along with other instances of violence within the 425th Separate Assault Regiment 'Skelya.' The probe documents gunshot wounds, abuse of mobilized personnel, and failures in medical care.

Oleksandr Zavalov, aged 30, died after being treated at a rehabilitation center in Odesa. Following his discharge, he was assigned to the 425th Separate Assault Regiment 'Skelya.' His death occurred five days after a specific incident; the cause was a gunshot wound inflicted by 27-year-old serviceman Maksym Cherevan. Cherevan fired four shots from a CZ Bren 2 assault rifle. He was detained by law enforcement the same day, and a court ordered him held in custody. It has been reported that Cherevan had a prior criminal record for property offenses.

Further Violence in the 'Skelya' Regiment

The investigation also mentions Arkadii Kukshyn, aged 36, who was mobilized on April 28. He sustained two bullet wounds while attempting to flee. Another soldier, Yurii, claims he was beaten during his service in the 425th Regiment 'Skelya.' On June 23, the news outlet 'Babel' published its own investigation into service conditions within this unit. In response to these events, the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) has launched a pre-trial probe into allegations of abuse of authority by military personnel. On July 11, the Pechersk District Court of Kyiv imposed a preventive measure on a soldier for beating fellow servicemen.

Oleksandr Zavalov, speaking to his mother, expressed his anguish in these words: 'Mom, I'm in hell, pray for me.'

Commander of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, has stated that 'the situation remains difficult.' These cases highlight serious issues of violence and inadequate medical care within military units, particularly the 425th Separate Assault Regiment 'Skelya.' Such incidents point to deep-seated problems inside Ukrainian military formations, which could undermine troop morale and mission effectiveness. Addressing violence and poor medical support in the army demands urgent action from military leadership and law enforcement. The ongoing investigation may prove a critical step toward improving service conditions and preventing future tragedies.