The military ombudswoman commented on the deaths of 5 servicemen at “Skelya” and announced checks into the cases

The military ombudswoman commented on the deaths of 5 servicemen at “Skelya” and announced checks into the cases

Military Ombudsman of Ukraine Olha Reshetylova commented on the deaths of five soldiers from “Skelya.” According to her, everything began back in 2025 after the first reports of fighters being beaten.

The Ombudsman noted that she maintains contact with “Skelya” almost daily. She recalled that the first complaints about the beating of soldiers were received back in 2025.

According to Reshetylova, she immediately went to the training ground to investigate the situation. However, she was initially forbidden to take the victims away. Only after a report to the president and the intervention of the relevant services was it possible to “forcibly” evacuate the wounded fighters.

This regiment includes people who count on my protection and carry out very difficult combat missions. That is why I must find ways to help them and establish cooperation with them, Reshetylova emphasized.

The Ombudsman also reported that in February–March 2026, a spike in fatalities was indeed recorded at the “Skelya” center. Complaints regarding several deaths were received by the Military Ombudsman’s Office, while other cases were checked based on media reports.

Reshetylova clarified that one of the investigations has already been completed. It was established that a serviceman who died of pneumonia was delivered to the hospital in serious condition with a delay. Due to the possible untimely provision of medical care, the materials were transferred to law enforcement agencies.

Other news about “Skelya”

Since January 27, 2026, when the Military Ombudsman’s Office began its work, more than 4,000 complaints have been received from active servicemen. The largest number of complaints — about 140 — concerned the 425th Separate Assault Regiment “Skelya.”

A scandal erupted around the 425th Assault Regiment “Skelya” following statements by Defence Ministry advisor and volunteer Serhiy Sternenko. He accused the unit’s command of allegedly significant losses during assaults near Pokrovsk.

The “Skelya” brigade also commented on the fatalities among servicemen. The command stated that all sick personnel received timely medical care. Internal checks found no violations in the work of medical staff, and the command denies any medical error.