Official Stance: From Denial to Admission
The command of the 425th Separate Assault Regiment 'Skelya' issued a public address to the Ukrainian public, taking a course of openness. Against the backdrop of a scandal involving allegations of human rights violations within the unit, the leadership officially acknowledged the existence of certain problems for the first time. According to RBC-Ukraine, citing the text of the statement, the military no longer intend to hide the situation, but at the same time firmly stated their position regarding external speculation.
The address emphasizes that negative events occurring within the regiment have become a tool in the hands of certain political forces, bloggers, and some media outlets. The command asserts that these actors are using the information "for their own, far from noble purposes," attempting to discredit the combat efforts of the unit.
Uncompromising Stance on Discipline
The main message of the statement is zero tolerance for violations. The 'Skelya' command declared that no combat merits, ranks, or high positions can serve as justification for the humiliation of human dignity, violence, or abuse of power. "Our position is uncompromising — there is and cannot be a place for negative manifestations in the Ukrainian army," reads the text of the address.
It is important to note that the regiment is not trying to cover up the incidents. On the contrary, the command confirmed that each specific fact will be thoroughly investigated, and those at fault will be held accountable in strict accordance with the law. To this end, active cooperation with the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has already been established, and all necessary assistance is being provided to the investigation.
Internal Reforms and Frontline Operations
Parallel to the external investigation, internal processes have been launched within the regiment. The command reports strengthening control over the actions of commanders at all levels and improving mechanisms for responding to complaints from servicemen. Despite the loud scandal, the leadership emphasizes that the personnel remain "cohesive and motivated," and the unit continues to fulfill combat tasks in one of the most difficult sectors of the front.
Instead of words, the 'Skelya' command called on those who want to help to take real action: "Stand beside us and fight together with us. As they say, not by word, but by deed".
Context of the Scandal: From Investigation to Resignation
The reason for such a resonant statement was an investigation by the publication 'Babel', published on June 23. Journalists reported on possible torture and deaths of conscripted soldiers in the 425th Regiment. Following the publication, the SBI opened a criminal case. Following this, on June 25, a personnel decision was made: the regiment commander, Yuri Garkavy, was suspended from his duties pending the completion of checks and investigations.
