The commander of Ukraine’s “Skelia” assault unit, Lt. Col. Yury Harkaviy, has been suspended following allegations of torture, abuse, and non-combat fatalities of recruits. A Ukrainian media investigation reported severe mistreatment and at least 25 recruit deaths over six months. The State Bureau of Investigation has opened a probe into possible abuse of authority, while the unit denies systematic abuse, attributing some deaths to illnesses.

• Lt. Col. Yury Harkaviy, commander of the “Skelia” (formerly “Skala”) assault regiment, has been suspended.
• Allegations include torture, abuse, and multiple non-combat deaths of recruits.
• A Ukrainian outlet’s investigation cited relatives and soldiers, reporting at least 25 recruit deaths over six months.
• Specific allegations mention beatings, forced confinement, and sending ill soldiers to training.
• The State Bureau of Investigation is probing possible abuse of authority.
• The “Skelia” regiment denies systematic abuse and questions the source of allegations.
• The scandal occurs amid Ukraine’s deepening manpower shortages and tightened mobilization rules.