Vitaliy Saltan - Kropyvnytskyi -> Kamianske, 26.01-22.02.2026
Timeline
- 26.01.2026 - 34-year-old Vitaliy Saltan was mobilized.
- 28.01.2026 - he was already at the Skelia unit in Dnipropetrovsk region, registering new recruits at a distribution center.
- ~30.01.2026 - he began feeling unwell and went to the unit medic.
- 16.02.2026, night - he was hospitalized in Kamianske. Relatives said he was on oxygen in intensive care and was later placed on a ventilator.
- 22.02.2026 - he died in intensive care from pneumonia.
- 20.03.2026 - he was buried at the family's expense after two examinations and waiting for permission for a repeat autopsy.
Investigation and positions
Relatives believe medical assistance was delayed. Investigators in Kamianske opened proceedings under Article 115 of Ukraine's Criminal Code with the note "natural death."
Skelia told Suspilne that the regiment initiated a review of basic training conditions after pneumonia cases, and that the review found no violations by medical staff.
Sources
Primary sources
- Suspilne - How servicemen get sick and die before reaching the front - 30.03.2026
- Radio Liberty - Death of a serviceman after mobilization: details and versions from the wife - 10.03.2026