Ukraine's largest assault regiment is under investigation over allegations of torturing its own recruits and at least 26 noncombat deaths
Ukraine has suspended Lieutenant Colonel Yuriy Harkavyi, commander of the 425th Separate Assault Regiment “Skala,” pending a probe launched after a Babel investigation into torture and the deaths of several servicemen that the military classified as “unrelated to combat.” The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine announced the move on June 25.
Ukraine has suspended Lieutenant Colonel Yuriy Harkavyi, commander of the “Skala” regiment, following an investigation into allegations of torture and noncombat deaths of servicemen. A Babel investigation reported at least 25 recruits died from noncombat causes, with relatives citing signs of beatings and delayed medical care. The regiment denies the allegations, stating many deaths are illness-related, and an inquiry is underway.
- Lieutenant Colonel Yuriy Harkavyi, commander of Ukraine’s “Skala” regiment, has been suspended pending an investigation.
- The probe follows a Babel investigation alleging torture and at least 25 noncombat deaths within the regiment between late 2025 and spring 2026.
- Relatives claim deceased servicemen showed signs of beatings, and medical care was inadequate.
- The regiment denies the allegations, attributing deaths to illness and poor health of mobilized soldiers.
- Ukraine’s State Bureau of Investigation has opened a pretrial inquiry into the matter.
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