The head of Ukraine's patrol police, Yevhen Zhukov, has resigned after two of his officers faced criticism for allegedly fleeing a deadly mass shooting in the capital, Kyiv. Six people died and 14 others were injured on Saturday after a man opened fire on people in the street in Kyiv's southern Holosiivskyi district before taking others hostage in a nearby supermarket. He was later killed in a shoot-out with police. Footage has since been shared online appearing to show officers leaving civilians and running away from the scene.
Ukraine's Interior Minister Igor Klymenko stated that the officers involved have been suspended, and an investigation into their actions is currently underway. He emphasized, 'Serve and protect' is not just a slogan. It must be supported by appropriate professional actions, especially at critical moments when people's lives depend on it. However, Klymenko cautioned against generalizing the actions of two officers to the entire police force.
Zhukov expressed that the officers had 'failed to assess the situation properly and left civilians in danger', qualifying their actions as 'unprofessional and unworthy' during a news conference. He announced his resignation, stating, 'As a combat officer, I have decided to submit my resignation from the position I currently hold'.
Authorities are treating the shooting as a terrorist act but have not yet clarified the motive behind the attack. Eight of the injured remain in the hospital, with one adult in an extremely serious condition. The attacker, identified as a 58-year-old man originally from Moscow, had been living in the Holosiivskyi district shortly before the shooting. The weapon used was officially registered, prompting inquiries into how the attacker obtained the necessary licensing documents. Although attacks are common during the ongoing war with Russia, incidents of this nature are rare in Kyiv. Klymenko indicated there would not be a mass check of gun owners following the shooting, highlighting citizens' rights for armed self-defense, particularly given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Ukraine's Interior Minister Igor Klymenko stated that the officers involved have been suspended, and an investigation into their actions is currently underway. He emphasized, 'Serve and protect' is not just a slogan. It must be supported by appropriate professional actions, especially at critical moments when people's lives depend on it. However, Klymenko cautioned against generalizing the actions of two officers to the entire police force.
Zhukov expressed that the officers had 'failed to assess the situation properly and left civilians in danger', qualifying their actions as 'unprofessional and unworthy' during a news conference. He announced his resignation, stating, 'As a combat officer, I have decided to submit my resignation from the position I currently hold'.
Authorities are treating the shooting as a terrorist act but have not yet clarified the motive behind the attack. Eight of the injured remain in the hospital, with one adult in an extremely serious condition. The attacker, identified as a 58-year-old man originally from Moscow, had been living in the Holosiivskyi district shortly before the shooting. The weapon used was officially registered, prompting inquiries into how the attacker obtained the necessary licensing documents. Although attacks are common during the ongoing war with Russia, incidents of this nature are rare in Kyiv. Klymenko indicated there would not be a mass check of gun owners following the shooting, highlighting citizens' rights for armed self-defense, particularly given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
