Higher Military Command Investigates Actions of the 'Skelia' Regiment Near Pokrovsk

On March 31, the 7th Rapid Reaction Corps of the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces reported via social media that a service check is underway regarding the actions of the 'Skelia' regiment in the Pokrovsk area. This announcement came after the unit utilized unfavorable weather conditions to conduct active operations in the specified section of the front, particularly to advance using armored vehicles.

The statement emphasized, "A service check is being conducted. We ask that you refrain from disseminating unprofessional assessments. They may negatively impact the further course of combat operations in the Pokrovsk agglomeration." These words underline the importance of a cautious approach to evaluating the evolving situation at the front.

Previously, Ukrainian Defense Ministry advisor and volunteer Serhiy Sternenko expressed his opinion that the 'Skelia' regiment allegedly sent a column of military equipment to storm positions near Pokrovsk without proper justification, comparing their actions to thoughtless attacks by Russian troops. Such statements have sparked outrage among military personnel, who believe their actions were justified and necessary.

In response to the criticism, the 'Skelia' regiment clarified that they, in conjunction with the 155th Mechanized Brigade, are executing orders to defend positions in Pokrovsk. They stressed, "To support our fighters and eliminate the advancing enemy, counterattacks are necessary. Otherwise, the enemy could encircle some of our positions, and all personnel would perish without rotation, evacuation, or resupply."

On March 31, the 'Skelia' regiment successfully executed a counterattack on one of the key tactical objectives captured by Russian forces in Pokrovsk. Utilizing favorable weather conditions, the unit was able to maneuver in armored vehicles with additional protection, establish reliable communication, and provide aerial reconnaissance and fire support using drones, artillery, and tanks.

However, during the counterattack, enemy drones struck four units of Ukrainian armored vehicles near the targeted objective. Despite this, the assault group successfully landed and accomplished their mission, continuing to engage in combat at the site.

"Our losses in the battle on March 31 amounted to two soldiers who were killed near the armored vehicles by drone strikes. All crews of the equipment were evacuated on the fifth combat vehicle in the column, which returned intact. The assault group at the attack site is engaged in combat, is in communication with command, and is receiving maximum fire support," the regiment reported.

Regarding Sternenko's comments, the 'Skelia' regiment believes that he based his evaluation of their actions on posts and videos from Russian sources, which deliberately edited data on strikes from different days in various sections of the front, which are not directly related to the operation on March 31. They are convinced that the advisor to the Minister of Defense drew conclusions based on distorted enemy information, which do not reflect reality and serve the purposes of Russian propaganda.

"We are open to professional dialogue, checks, and analysis. However, we consider it unacceptable to publicly disseminate statements from a defense official not based on communication with participants in the operation, nor on data from the service check, but solely on enemy videos and statements. Such an approach does not contribute to establishing the truth and only plays into the hands of the enemy," emphasized the 'Skelia' regiment.

The regiment also added that they are conducting their own analysis of their actions, particularly those carried out during the operation on March 31. Relevant materials will be provided to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi. As reported by Ukrinform, the Defense Forces have halted the Russian advance on several settlements in the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad agglomeration.

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