Commander-in-Chief Responds to Scandal Over 26 Soldier Deaths in Ukraine's 'Skelya' Regiment.

Oleksandr Syrskyi Addresses the 'Skelya' Regiment Controversy

According to Novyny.live: Ukraine's top military commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, has spoken out about the scandal surrounding the 45th Separate Assault Regiment 'Skelya,' which involved a series of non-combat deaths among newly recruited soldiers. In response, the military leadership has launched an official investigation, and law enforcement agencies have opened multiple criminal cases. This incident has drawn significant attention to internal challenges within Ukraine's armed forces during wartime.

Inspections and Investigations Underway

General Staff audits and law enforcement involvement began after the publication of reports by 'Babel' media, which documented the deaths of at least 26 mobilized troops between late 2025 and spring 2026. As part of a broad service investigation led by Brigadier General Shevchenko, the military command has dispatched a commission from the General Staff and the Military Law Enforcement Service to examine the circumstances. The State Bureau of Investigation has also initiated its own pretrial inquiry. The commander of the 'Skelya' regiment has been suspended from duty pending the investigation's outcome.

Oleksandr Syrskyi stated:

“This is a disgraceful situation, simply because it exists at all within the armed forces of a country at war. A soldier should not die in the rear; they should be preparing to defend their state.”

He also emphasized that

“all those responsible for criminal or disciplinary violations will face severe punishment.”

The situation surrounding the 'Skelya' regiment underscores critical challenges facing the Ukrainian army amid the conflict. Non-combat losses, especially among new recruits, raise questions about the effectiveness of training and unit organization. The initiation of investigations and the suspension of command indicate the severity of the issue and the military leadership's intent to take measures to ensure personnel safety and restore trust in the Armed Forces.

It is crucial that the investigation's findings serve as a foundation for improving service conditions and training for troops in a country actively engaged in combat operations.