Ukraine's 425th Separate Assault Regiment Skelia confirmed that military commanders are transferring its personnel to other units while insisting that its forces remain on position.
The regiment stated that none of its units have been withdrawn from front line positions or stopped performing combat duties. It noted that personnel transfers fall under the competence of higher military command to manage the Armed Forces of Ukraine in wartime.
Skelia representatives told Radio Svoboda that personnel trained at their base have valuable combat experience. If military leadership reassigns these soldiers to strengthen other brigades, the regiment considers it a contribution to overall national defense.
The statement followed a report by news outlet Ukrainska Pravda that personnel transfers to approximately 10 other units began about a week ago. Journalist Yulia Kyriienko of TSN reported that the move involves 2,000 soldiers, though sources cited by Ukrainska Pravda claimed the true figure is significantly lower. Skelia declined to provide exact figures.
Recruitment Audits and Command Orders
The transfer of troops follows a decision on July 31 to pause new recruit replenishment for the regiment. Oleksiy Bratushchak, head of the communications department for Skelia, said the General Staff initiated an audit to evaluate unit staffing and fair personnel distribution across the military.
Ukrainska Pravda reported that Ground Forces assault regiments received orders from newly appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Mykhailo Drapatyi to halt recruit additions starting July 26. The General Staff confirmed on July 29 that it was reviewing staffing processes across the armed forces.
Investigations into Unit Conduct
The staffing review comes after Skelia became the subject of media investigations in June regarding alleged violence against soldiers and non-combat losses. Official inspections and investigations into the unit remain active.
On July 30, a court in Kropyvnytskyi ordered two servicemen from Skelia's medical company held in custody without bail on suspicion of torturing fellow soldiers. The two suspects denied the allegations.
Skelia command condemned negative behavior on July 29, stating that problems within the unit are not tolerated or hidden. Command added that every reported incident would be investigated to ensure those responsible face legal accountability.
