Recent reports by the publication “Babel” have revealed that there have been at least 26 fatalities among mobilized soldiers at the Skelia training centers over the past six months. Investigators relied on testimonies from over 30 sources, including families of the deceased and current servicemen, some of whom reportedly fled the regiment due to alleged inhumane treatment. The Skelia regiment has denied the claims of systematic violence.
In response to these allegations, Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets stated that he received information regarding serious human rights violations within the Skelia unit. He mentioned possible instances of torture, the establishment of detention facilities, and cases of suicide among active military personnel. Lubinets emphasized that he would not overlook such issues, considering any violations of human rights, especially during wartime, unacceptable and requiring immediate action.
The Ombudsman has reached out to the State Bureau of Investigations and the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Defense to demand a thorough, objective, and impartial investigation into these claims. The State Bureau of Investigations confirmed the initiation of a probe into the reported misconduct against Skelia servicemen.
“I held a working meeting with Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi. I appreciate the prompt response – the Military Law Enforcement Service is already working to clarify the circumstances. Tomorrow, the Ombudsman’s monitoring team will head to the site to conduct the investigation. I have received assurances of full support for their work as an independent monitoring group,” Lubinets wrote.
Context
- On June 23, the publication “Babel” released an investigation detailing the alleged use of violence, abuse of power, and other potential violations by certain officials within the 425th separate assault regiment “Skelia.”
- This is not the first scandal involving the Skelia regiment. In April, the Armed Forces already commenced a service check following statements by Serhiy Sternenko regarding claims that the regiment’s command purportedly directed troops to storm under heavy losses. The Skelia unit then claimed the operation was successful and described reports of “mass casualties” as manipulative based on Russian videos.
