The State Bureau of Investigation has detained a sergeant from ‘Skela’ in connection with the case of the assault on military personnel
According to the State Bureau of Investigation, the detainee has been notified that he is suspected of offences under two articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
These relate to a breach of the statutory rules governing relations between military personnel, resulting in bodily harm of moderate severity, as well as violence against a superior committed under martial law.
The charges are under Part 2 of Article 406 and Part 4 of Article 405 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
Assault on a chaplain in the Izium district
According to the investigation, the first incident took place in May 2025 near one of the villages in the Izium district of the Kharkiv region.
Soldiers from another unit, who had previously been carrying out combat missions, arrived at the deployment site of the ‘Skelya’ regiment. A conflict arose between the servicemen over the deployment of personnel and equipment.
A military chaplain attempted to calm the parties down and suggested resolving the situation at command level. According to the State Bureau of Investigation, the suspect punched the chaplain in the face several times.
The victim was hospitalised with a concussion and a fractured jaw. The investigation classifies these injuries as moderate bodily harm.
Second incident in Barvinkove
Another incident, according to the investigation, took place in June 2025 in the town of Barvinkove, Kharkiv Oblast.
The State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) claims that a junior sergeant attacked a lieutenant-colonel, knocked him to the ground and beat him. The victim was diagnosed with a broken rib.
It is this incident that the investigation is treating as an act of violence against a superior officer under martial law.
What is known about the investigation into ‘The Rock’
The bureau had previously launched a pre-trial investigation following media reports of possible misconduct towards military personnel in the unit.
These reports detailed cases of beatings, abuse of authority, inadequate conditions for recruits and non-combat deaths of service personnel.
The 425th Separate Assault Regiment “Skelya” took part in heavy fighting, particularly in eastern and southern Ukraine. At the same time, the unit has found itself at the centre of several public scandals in recent months due to reports of harsh treatment of servicemen.
Following journalistic investigations, the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) launched an inquiry into the facts, whilst the command and law enforcement agencies stated the need to establish all the circumstances and assess the actions of those involved from a legal perspective.
Following the suspect’s arrest, the investigation must establish all the circumstances of both incidents, interview witnesses, examine the victims’ medical records and determine the role of any other individuals, should they have been involved in the events.
Until a court ruling is issued, the serviceman is presumed innocent. The final legal assessment of his actions must be made by the court.
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