Journalist Warns Over Ukrainian Assault Unit Tactics

Ukrainian war journalist Anna Kalyuzhna has raised serious concerns over the tactics and internal conditions of certain Ukrainian assault unit reportedly linked to Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.

Despite ongoing threats, Kalyuzhna continues to report on what she describes as “Syrskyi’s assault regiments,” highlighting alleged systemic issues ranging from operational decisions to the treatment of personnel.

According to her reporting, over the past month the 425th “Skelya” assault regiment received significantly more personnel than typical Ukrainian brigades—up to 20 times more. These developments come amid troubling reports that, in what is described as a modern frontline unit, at least five servicemen recently died from pneumonia.

Kalyuzhna also referenced statements by First Deputy Military Ombudsman Ruslan Tsyhankov, who confirmed that in both the 425th and the 225th assault regiments, “certain elements” have used physical violence against personnel.

Describing operational practices, Kalyuzhna cited an example from the Kupiansk direction. According to her account, Ukrainian forces were conducting operations to push Russian troops out of settlements north of the city. The “Skelya” unit joined the operation with a plan involving armored vehicles, despite warnings from other units that such an approach was too dangerous under the circumstances.

She reports that the unit proceeded to advance in daylight using two armored vehicles filled with assault troops. According to her account, only the drivers—reportedly from another unit assigned to assist—survived.

Kalyuzhna argues that such tactics are not isolated incidents but reflect a broader pattern, raising concerns about disproportionately high personnel losses.

She concludes by questioning command decisions and accountability, suggesting that increasing troop allocations should be matched by more responsible planning and a greater emphasis on preserving soldiers’ lives.

EMPR