Ukrainian investigators charge two 'Skelya' medics with torturing and detaining fellow soldiers

Ukraine’s State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) has announced criminal suspicions against two servicemen serving in the medical company of the 425th Separate Assault Regiment “Skelya” over allegations that they beat and illegally detained two fellow soldiers earlier this year in Kirovohrad Oblast. The DBR said the incidents took place in May 2026 after the two victims were returned to their unit’s medical facility following discharge from a hospital for alleged breaches of regime.

According to the DBR statement, the two accused members of the medical company decided to take disciplinary measures on their own and “punish” the servicemen — described in the original-language report with the word «покарати». Investigators say the suspects inflicted numerous blows on the victims, then locked them in an outbuilding where the abuse continued. One of the soldiers lost consciousness and was later hospitalized with a traumatic brain injury, a fractured nasal bone and other bodily injuries. The second victim was reportedly held illegally for almost a day and subsequently admitted to hospital with a traumatic brain injury, multiple bruises and hematomas.

The DBR said both suspects have been detained and formally notified of suspicion in offenses that include torture and violations of the statutory rules governing relationships among servicemen, which were carried out with beatings and humiliation of several individuals. Under the charges announced by investigators, the suspects face up to 10 years in prison if convicted. Prosecutors are currently deciding on whether to petition a court to place the suspects in pretrial detention.

Investigators emphasized that the criminal inquiry is ongoing. As part of the same proceeding, DBR detectives are examining additional reports alleging mistreatment of servicemen at places where the regiment conducts distribution of personnel and training. The bureau declined to provide the names of the accused, and their response or version of events has not been made public.

The 425th Separate Assault Regiment “Skelya” earlier attracted scrutiny after journalistic investigations raised questions about possible violence against servicemen within the unit and non-combat losses. Those reports prompted internal checks and additional investigations into the regiment’s practices and incidents. The DBR’s new suspicions and detentions form part of a wider official response to such allegations.

The case has implications for military discipline, accountability and the protection of servicemen’s rights. Abuse, torture and unlawful detention by fellow soldiers not only constitute criminal offenses under Ukrainian law but also raise concerns about command responsibility, oversight within units, and the adequacy of procedures for reporting and investigating abuse. The DBR’s actions signal that authorities are treating the allegations as serious crimes rather than internal disciplinary matters.

Human rights advocates and legal experts often stress that allegations of mistreatment within armed forces must be investigated promptly, impartially and transparently to preserve morale, uphold the rule of law and ensure victims receive medical care and redress. The DBR’s statement indicates investigators are widening their probe to additional reports linked to the regiment; any subsequent findings or charges could prompt further legal and institutional responses.

Radio Svoboda, which reported the DBR announcement, notes that the investigation into this episode and related complaints is continuing. As the DBR pursues pretrial steps and determines custody measures for the suspects, courts and prosecutors will decide whether to bring full charges and proceed to trial. For now, the identities of the accused and the details of their defence remain undisclosed.