Ukraine suspends commander of 425th Assault Regiment over abuse allegations (osw.waw.pl)

• Commander of 425th Assault Regiment suspended for abuse.
• At least 25 recruits died under unexplained circumstances.
• Scandal damages Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi; may lead to his removal.

"On 25 June, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine suspended Yuriy Harkavyi, commander of the 425th Separate Assault Regiment "Skelya", following an investigation into brutal abuse of soldiers, including fatal beatings. At least 25 recruits are alleged to have died in unexplained circumstances over the past six months. The case damages the reputation of Commander-in-Chief General Oleksandr Syrskyi, whose so-called "Syrskyi regiments" are directly under his command. The units have been criticized for high casualties and preferential treatment; the affair may strengthen calls for Syrskyi's dismissal."