ATO Veteran Assaulted with Rebar at Odesa Region Resort

Attack at a Resort in Zatoka

According to Главком: Police in the Odesa region have launched a criminal investigation into the beating of ATO veteran Serhiy Pihura at a resort in the village of Zatoka. The incident occurred last week in the evening, when a conflict erupted between the victim and another guest. The attacker, identified as Viktor Stopchynskyi, struck Serhiy Pihura on the head with a metal rebar, causing bodily harm.

Victim's Condition and Pre-Trial Investigation

Serhiy Pihura, an ATO veteran and combat participant, sustained serious injuries, including a concussion, a fractured skull, a broken nose, and a broken arm. He is currently receiving inpatient treatment at a hospital in the village of Ovidiopol, with stitches on his face. As of July 9, law enforcement officers in the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district had not yet questioned the injured serviceman. The pre-trial investigation is ongoing.

A criminal case has been opened under Part 1 of Article 122 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which pertains to intentional moderate-severity bodily harm. The nature and severity of the injuries will be determined by forensic medical experts. Viktor Stopchynskyi has at least two open criminal cases and has previously attacked people with a pistol, including breaking the jaw of a local blogger in Podilsk.

The victim's wife, Kateryna, stated: 'Serhiy Pihura is currently undergoing inpatient treatment at the hospital in Ovidiopol. Despite the severity of his injuries-a concussion, a fractured skull, a broken nose and arm, and stitches on his face-as of July 9, law enforcement in the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district still have not questioned the wounded serviceman.'

Commenting on the situation, Viktor Stopchynskyi said: 'I will listen to whatever I want.' Thus, the situation surrounding the incident remains tense, and the pre-trial investigation continues.

The attack on Serhiy Pihura highlights the critical need to protect veterans who face new challenges in civilian life after returning from the front. This assault on a serviceman, especially given his combat background, has sparked public outcry and raised concerns about the safety of those who defended the country. The continuation of the investigation and an appropriate response from law enforcement to such cases must become a priority to ensure justice and public order.