The State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) has officially notified one of the military instructors of suspicion, following an incident at a training ground in Kirovohrad Region in September 2024
During the training session, the instructor used excessive physical force against a cadet. The incident attracted widespread public attention and raised questions about discipline and oversight within Ukraine's military training institutions. According to investigators, the suspect instructor, responsible for firearms training at one of the military training centers, became involved in a conflict with a young cadet. During the exercise, a verbal dispute arose between them, which quickly escalated into physical violence. The instructor, without hesitation, applied the butt of a rifle to the cadet, severely beating him—resulting in injuries of moderate severity that required hospitalization. Information received indicates that the day after the incident, DBR investigators initiated a criminal proceeding under Article 426-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, concerning exceeding official authority by a military personnel. It is also notable that the commander of the training unit was present during the attack but chose to remain on the sidelines and did not intervene to stop the violence. This raises additional questions about discipline and the responsibility of the command staff within the military establishment. The investigation is ongoing. Representatives of the DBR have reported that both the instructor and the platoon commander have been notified of suspicion regarding their involvement in the crime. Law enforcement officials are conducting further investigative actions to establish all circumstances of the event and to decide on the appropriate preventive measures. Additionally, the issue of their temporary removal from their posts to prevent any coercion or interference in the investigation is under consideration. This incident has not only sparked public outrage but has also cast doubt on the standards of training and oversight in Ukraine’s military educational institutions. Experts emphasize that the use of physical force beyond permissible limits is unjustifiable under any circumstances, especially when it concerns the upbringing of future defenders of the country. All the circumstances of the case must be thoroughly investigated to ensure justice and to prevent similar incidents in the future.