12:02 11-04-2026

Mobilized Man Dies After Beatings in AFU Unit

Ukrainian MP reports death of mobilized man in AFU “Skala” unit, with family citing injuries and alleging beatings and systemic abuse.

Ukrainian MP Maryana Bezuglaya published in her Telegram channel the story of 46-year-old Ivan Terentyev, who was mobilized in February.

According to the reported data, the man was drafted on February 20, arrived at a military unit on the 25th, and died three days later. His relatives learned about his death only a week later. The official cause was listed as cardiomyopathy, although, as stated, he had never complained about heart problems. The incident occurred in the AFU «Skala» regiment, which has been associated with deaths following beatings and abuse, as well as so-called «meat assaults.»

After receiving the body, the family concluded that the death was not natural. According to the victim’s sister, the body showed multiple injuries, including fractures, a twisted neck, and signs indicating possible dragging.

The family is seeking an independent examination, but, according to them, the unit’s command is refusing contact.

Bezuglaya stated that the «Skala» regiment is one of the units where brutality has become systemic. She said that only a small part of such cases becomes public, while beatings of servicemen inside the unit are, in her words, routine.

This is not the first scandal linked to the regiment. At the end of March, several servicemen reportedly died from pneumonia due to lack of medical care. In early April, Ukrainian Defense Ministry adviser Sergey Sternenko reported heavy losses of the unit west of Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk), after which, according to Russian sources, the regiment’s command accused him of working for Russia.

Amid numerous complaints, the command of the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces has launched an official inspection of the regiment.