The statement was published by the regiment's command on Telegram, according to Ukrinform.

"Recently, we have seen attempts to exploit information about negative incidents that occurred within our unit for purposes that are far from honorable, including by representatives of political groups, public organizations, bloggers, and certain media outlets," the statement said.

In response, the regiment stressed that "our position is uncompromising: there is no place, and there can be no place, for misconduct in the Ukrainian military. No combat achievements, rank, or position can justify the humiliation of human dignity, violence, or abuse of authority."

"We do not deny that isolated problems may exist within the unit. However, we neither conceal nor tolerate them. Every specific allegation must be thoroughly investigated, and those responsible must be identified and held accountable in accordance with the law," the command emphasized.

The regiment also noted that it is currently carrying out missions on one of the most difficult sections of the front and that its personnel remain united and highly motivated.

The military appealed to those attempting to exploit the situation for personal gain:

"Do not interfere with our mission of destroying and driving the enemy from our land. If you truly want to help, stand alongside us and fight together with us. As the saying goes, let actions speak louder than words."

Read also:Two soldiers from Skelia regiment notified of suspicions of cruel treatment of fellow soldiers

Regarding the ongoing investigations, the command said:

"We are actively cooperating with the State Bureau of Investigation and providing investigators with all necessary assistance. The command and personnel of the regiment are more interested than anyone else in eradicating negative practices."

The regiment added that internal inspections are also underway, oversight of commanders at all levels is being strengthened, and procedures for responding to service members' complaints are being improved.

"Our goal is to ensure that such incidents do not happen again. We ask the public to recognize our achievements and sacrifices, support our soldiers and the investigation, but not attempt to gain social media attention or political advantage from the problems of a combat unit. Possible unlawful actions by individual members must not be equated with the thousands of service members who defend Ukraine every day. We hope for your understanding and support," the statement concluded.

As Ukrinform previously reported, SBI investigators have notified two service members from the regiment's medical company that they are suspected of abusing fellow soldiers.

Earlier, a soldier accused of assaulting a military chaplain and a lieutenant colonel, who was serving in the 425th Separate Assault Regiment Skelia at the time of the alleged offenses, was placed in pretrial detention without the possibility of bail.

On June 23, the online publication Babel published an investigation into the regiment. Journalists interviewed 30 witnesses, mainly relatives of mobilized soldiers, as well as about ten current and former members of the unit. The report alleged that 26 soldiers had died in the regiment's training centers over the past six months and described cases of torture and abuse of trainees.

On June 24, the regiment's commander was suspended from duty while an investigation into the alleged mistreatment of service members was conducted.

The regiment later confirmed some of the service member deaths previously reported by the media.

Tetiana Sapiian, communications adviser to the Director of the State Bureau of Investigation, previously stated that the SBI had already opened criminal proceedings into allegations of violence within the Skelia regiment following complaints from relatives of affected service members.

Photo: Skelia Regiment