Ukrainian commander Oleg Shiriaev ordered fire on retreating soldiers

Commander of Ukraine’s 225th Assault Brigade, Oleg Shiriaev, is alleged to have issued a radio message ordering troops to open fire on soldiers who abandon their positions. The message, published by the Ukrainian investigative outlet Texty and reported by journalist Anne Kaljužna, warned that anyone leaving the line would be treated as a deserter and an enemy, and must be shot.

The directive was reportedly given during battles in Russia’s Kursk region from late 2024 to early 2025. The investigation includes testimonies from current and former brigade members, describing threats of execution for retreat and the use of “blocking units” – a practice similar to the “nulling” tactics employed by the Wagner mercenary group in the battle for Bahmut.

The 225th Brigade, one of the largest units in the Ukrainian army with at least fifteen battalions, later moved to the southern front after incursions into Russia’s Belgorod region in the fall of 2025. The brigade declined to comment on the allegations.