Torture and abuse of fellow soldiers: The State Bureau of Investigation has notified two “Skelya” service members that they are under investigation

This was reported by the State Bureau of Investigation’s press service.

Investigators determined that in May 2026, two servicemen were discharged from the hospital for violating established rules and sent to their unit’s medical facility.

Afterward, the two suspects decided to “punish” them on their own for the disciplinary violations.

They struck the victims numerous times and then locked them in a utility building, where they continued to abuse them.

Currently, both suspects in the case have been detained—they have been notified of their status as suspects in the torture and violation of statutory rules governing relations between military personnel, accompanied by beatings and abuse. The perpetrators face up to 12 years in prison.

As a reminder, the Ombudsman’s Office is continuing its investigation into the 425th Separate Assault Regiment “Skelya” regarding the abuse and torture of military personnel. On July 21, based on the evidence gathered, the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) opened a criminal case and announced the first charges.

The scandal surrounding the military unit arose following an investigation by the publication “Babel” into the deaths of at least 26 recruits from the 425th Separate Assault Regiment “Skelya.”

In response, the command of the “Skelya” regiment confirmed the non-combat deaths of the recruits but denied allegations of systematic torture. Representatives of the unit stated that 18 of these cases occurred in the hospital or en route to it due to chronic illnesses or the generally poor health of the conscripts. The regiment also assured that it is actively cooperating with the investigation and doing everything possible to reduce non-combat losses to zero.