---
title: "Suspension of the 'Skelya' Regiment Commander: The Armed Forces of Ukraine Launch a Major Investigation Following Media Revelations"
description: "Commander Yuriy Garkavy of the 425th 'Skelya' Regiment has been suspended amid an investigation into 26 deaths at training centers. A commission from the General Staff and law enforcement officers are currently working within the unit. The Armed Forces of Ukraine have promised to hold those responsible accountable if the facts are confirmed. ⚖️🇺🇦"
date: 2026-06-25T16:20:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/suspension-of-the-skelya-regiment-commander-media-revelations-en
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Suspension of the 'Skelya' Regiment Commander: The Armed Forces of Ukraine Launch a Major Investigation Following Media Revelations

![Ukrainian soldiers in field conditions amid investigation into the removal of the 'Skelya' regiment commander](https://xab.info/media/2026/06/25/otstranenie-komandira-polka-skelya-razoblashheniya-smi/otstranenie-komandira-polka-skelya-razoblashheniya-smi-1.webp)

A significant personnel change has occurred within the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine against the backdrop of sensational reports regarding violations in the 425th Separate Assault Regiment 'Skelya'. The commander of the unit, Yuriy Garkavy, has been suspended from his duties pending administrative and law enforcement investigations.

### Official Confirmation of Suspension

Information regarding the commander's suspension was announced by representatives of the regiment at a press conference and subsequently confirmed by the Main Directorate of Communications (MDC) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The Directorate stated that the decision to suspend Yuriy Garkavy took effect on June 24. This action is part of a complex of measures aimed at establishing the truth regarding the facts outlined in media reports.

At this time, the name of the acting commander is not being disclosed. The MDC emphasized that any conclusions will be based exclusively on documents, verified facts, and the results of official investigations.

### Scope of the Investigation and General Staff Involvement

The situation in the 'Skelya' regiment has attracted the attention of the country's top military leadership. By the decision of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a comprehensive commission headed by one of the Deputy Chiefs of the General Staff is already working within the military unit. Simultaneously, representatives of law enforcement agencies are operating within the unit, receiving maximum assistance from the command.

The official comment from the MDC of the Armed Forces of Ukraine contains a clear warning: if facts of criminal offenses are confirmed, the guilty parties will be held accountable in accordance with the law. Furthermore, in the event that abuse of power or violation of the rights of servicemen is confirmed, appropriate personnel decisions will be made.

### Cause of the Scandal: Report by 'Babel' Publication

The catalyst for the events was a report published on June 23 by the publication 'Babel'. Journalists reported on tragic circumstances within the training centers of the 'Skelya' regiment. According to the investigation, 26 deaths have been recorded in the unit over the last six months. These figures became the basis for an immediate response from state structures.

Following the publication, the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) announced an investigation into the circumstances attributed to the unit. The situation was also commented on by the Ombudsman of the Verkhovna Rada for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets. He sent official appeals to the SBI and the Specialized Prosecutor's Office in the field of defense, demanding a full and impartial investigation.

### Leadership Response and Current Status of the Regiment

Dmytro Lubinets held a working meeting with the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi. According to him, the Military Law Enforcement Service is already investigating all the circumstances of the events that occurred. Despite the scandal and the suspension of the commander, the MDC of the Armed Forces of Ukraine noted that the 425th Separate Assault Regiment remains an effective component of the Defense Forces of Ukraine and continues to carry out combat tasks on the most complex directions of the front.