Controversy Surrounds Hlib Repich's Relationship
In late June 2026, blogger and former chemistry teacher Hlib Repich went public with his relationship with 18-year-old Daryna, a former student of his. The announcement sparked widespread backlash, largely due to the significant age gap—Repich is estimated to be between 36 and 40 years old, having been born around 1990. Many social media users, predominantly women, voiced their outrage, leading to a flood of complaints against Daryna's Instagram account, which was temporarily suspended.
After her account was reinstated, Repich shared new photos of the couple, including one where Daryna makes an obscene gesture at the camera. This only intensified the public debate. Repich, a million-follower influencer on TikTok and Instagram known as the 'Mad Chemist,' responded harshly to the criticism. He said he expected negative comments but was angered by the attacks on Daryna, adding that he is 'not interested in peers' and that his critics are 'angry, jealous old women.'
Ethical Concerns and Grooming Allegations
The situation has also raised serious ethical questions. Some Ukrainians have accused Repich of engaging in an unequal relationship and violating professional ethics, given that Daryna was once his student. Repich, however, argued that older men feel comfortable with young women because they 'genuinely enjoy small things and gifts.'
The discussion around Repich and Daryna has brought attention to the concept of grooming. Vitaliy Kursik explained that grooming is a gradual process in which an adult builds trust and emotional dependence in a child or adolescent, often isolating the victim from other support systems. Anna Konovalova added that at age 18, the prefrontal cortex—responsible for risk assessment and emotional regulation—is still developing.
Repich holds a PhD in chemistry and was a finalist for the Global Teacher Prize Ukraine in 2021. The controversy surrounding his new relationship continues to fuel intense debate on social media, raising questions about ethics and boundaries in relationships between adults and young people.
This case has become a catalyst for broader societal discussions, particularly about the ethics of relationships between adults and young people, especially when a past teacher-student dynamic is involved. The grooming concerns raised by experts highlight the need to understand the risks associated with such relationships and underscore society's responsibility in fostering healthy interactions. How this issue will evolve depends on public reaction and potential legal consequences for similar situations.