Cadet of Odessa Academy Commits Suicide After Bullying: Investigation Ongoing.

Tragic Death of Cadet Pavlo Stobun

According to TSN.ua: Cadet of Odessa Military Academy Pavlo Stobun was found hanged on November 26, 2023, in Rivne Region. According to information provided by other cadets, he had previously been subjected to bullying by sergeants. Following this incident, the academy initiated an internal investigation, but to date, no one has been punished.

Pavlo Stobun, who would have turned 18 on January 8, 2026, celebrated his mother's birthday on November 20, 2023. The bullying of cadets at the academy began after the theft of energy drinks, which prompted the location commander, Lieutenant Colonel Kosenko, to impose collective punishment. Witnesses reported that cadets were forced to eat in unsanitary conditions.

After experiencing the bullying, Pavlo voluntarily left the unit, and the next day was found dead. Odessa Military Academy confirmed the information about Pavlo Stobun's death. The preliminary qualification by law enforcement is suicide.

Public Resonance and the Need for Reform

Relatives and acquaintances of Pavlo express shock and deep condolences.

"He was an ordinary child. We never thought that something was wrong," noted his acquaintance Olga Melnyk.

Currently, an investigation is ongoing at the academy, and cadets express concern about their safety and the treatment they receive from senior cadets. Those responsible for the bullying have not been punished, and the situation at the academy has sparked public resonance and discussion of the problem of 'dedovshchina' in Ukrainian military institutions.

The incident involving the death of Pavlo Stobun serves as a cause for deep analysis of the conditions of education and upbringing in Ukrainian military academies. The situation has caused outrage in society, indicating the need to reform the system to prevent cases of bullying and cruel treatment. In environments where young people seek to serve their country, it is essential to provide them with a safe and supportive environment for learning and development.