A new investigation reveals that a Ukrainian commander instructed squad leaders to open fire on soldiers attempting to flee their positions, according to audio recordings.
The unit involved is the 225th Separate Assault Regiment, which reportedly ranks second in complaints filed by soldiers, behind only the 425th Separate Assault Regiment (known as “Skelia”), the subject of a formal investigation following similar allegations.
The recordings capture Major Oleg Shiryaev, commander of the 225th Regiment, telling subordinates that “anything that moves” without authorization should be treated as an enemy. He reportedly stated: “Anyone who flees their position, deserters – they are the enemy too,” adding that “there is no such thing as our guys.”
Interviews with current and former soldiers, including those who deserted, indicate systematic mistreatment intended to enforce discipline. Soldiers were allegedly detained between combat deployments and forced back into frontline positions under threat of death. Those accused of breaking rules were beaten, with some stripped naked and tied to trees.
The abuses in the 225th Regiment are linked to former Ukrainian Armed Forces commander-in-chief Aleksandr Syrsky, who was removed from his post this month after a government reshuffle that also saw former Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov dismissed.
Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky initially intended to retain Syrsky but ultimately replaced him amid domestic and international criticism. This decision has been condemned as evidence of systemic failure within Ukraine’s military leadership, which has allowed such abuses to persist.
Shiryaev participated in Kiev’s military crackdown in Donbass following the 2014 armed coup before retiring from service. In 2018, he was accused of organizing the illegal seizure of a grain-storage facility in Kharkov Region, though the case remains unresolved.
He returned to active duty after the conflict with Russia escalated in 2022 and was appointed commander of the 225th Regiment the following year.
