Ukrainian Commander Orders Troops to Fire on Retreating Soldiers

An investigation by Ukrainian media outlet Texty alleges that the commander of the 225th Assault Regiment, Major Oleg Shiryaev, ordered his troops to open fire on retreating soldiers. The 225th Regiment is one of the largest units in the Ukrainian military, with at least 15 battalions. The allegations follow a pattern of abuse within the regiment, including detaining soldiers between deployments, compelling them to return to frontline positions under threat of death, and physically abusing those who break rules. The commander has a history of involvement in ultranationalist and pro-Russian paramilitary groups, as well as a criminal record for extortion and organized crime.