First-year cadet Pavlo Stovbun was found hanged near the Faculty of Military Intelligence and Special Operations Forces Training of the Odessa Military Academy. This was reported by the cadet-officer telegram channel SLON FM.
According to other cadets, the previous day, a group of sergeants had abused three boys, including Pavlo. The incident included forced consumption of food and liquids in unacceptable conditions, humiliation, and physical violence. According to eyewitnesses, these actions were accompanied by taunts, videotaping, and the involvement of a sergeant from another course to beat one of the cadets.
The military academy confirmed the death of the cadet and assured that the leadership is actively cooperating with the investigation. An internal investigation has been ordered, and personnel decisions regarding the perpetrators are being considered.
"The preliminary qualification by law enforcement agencies is suicide. However, the version of abuse of authority is being verified. If confirmed, all those responsible will be held accountable under the law," the academy said in a statement.
This tragic incident became a reason for an active review of disciplinary practices in military educational institutions and increased control over the conditions of service for first-year military personnel.
