An investigation by journalist Anne Kaljužne of the investigative portal Texty has revealed that Oleh Širjajev, the commander of the 225th Assault Regiment of the Ukrainian military, allegedly ordered soldiers to open fire on retreating comrades during combat operations in the Kursk region between late 2024 and early 2025. The report includes an audio message attributed to Širjajev, in which he warns soldiers that anyone leaving their position is a deserter and an enemy, emphasizing strict adherence to orders. This alleged practice, referred to as 'blocking units,' involves systematically threatening or killing soldiers who retreat without authorization. Similar practices were previously reported among Russian mercenary groups like Wagner during the Battle of Bakhmut. Current and former members of the regiment have described systematic intimidation, forced detention in makeshift basements, and being held against their will. Some soldiers served in the Škval battle group, and their accounts resemble those from an earlier investigation into the 425th Assault Regiment, known as Skelia. The 225th Regiment denied the allegations when contacted by Kyiv Independent but did not provide a正式
Bias read (Progressive): The article presents allegations of internal misconduct within the Ukrainian military, focusing on potential abuses of power by high-ranking officers. It highlights the perspective of whistleblowers and investigative journalism, suggesting systemic issues within the armed forces. While the article's
