The head of Ukraine's patrol police, Yevhen Zhukov, has resigned following a deadly mass shooting in Kyiv's Holosiivskyi district that left six people dead and several others injured. The shooting occurred when a man opened fire on pedestrians before taking hostages in a nearby supermarket. Video footage has emerged showing officers allegedly fleeing the scene instead of engaging with the threat.
Interior Minister Igor Klymenko confirmed the suspension of the officers involved and stated that an investigation was underway. He emphasized that the officers’ actions were unprofessional and that their failure to protect civilians would be scrutinized. This sentiment was echoed by President Volodymyr Zelensky, who described the fleeing officers as having 'failed' in their duty to serve and protect.
Despite the tragic nature of the incident, Klymenko cautioned against generalizing the actions of two officers to the entire police force. He assured that the investigation would be thorough and would look into the officers' prior conduct.
The gunman, identified as a 58-year-old man originally from Moscow and residing in Kyiv, was killed in a subsequent shootout with the police. Authorities are treating the shooting as a terrorist act, although the motive remains unclear. The incident has highlighted ongoing concerns regarding the effectiveness of Ukraine’s police force, especially during times of crisis. Reports indicate that eight individuals remain hospitalized, with one in critical condition. The authorities are investigating how the shooter obtained his firearm.
Interior Minister Igor Klymenko confirmed the suspension of the officers involved and stated that an investigation was underway. He emphasized that the officers’ actions were unprofessional and that their failure to protect civilians would be scrutinized. This sentiment was echoed by President Volodymyr Zelensky, who described the fleeing officers as having 'failed' in their duty to serve and protect.
Despite the tragic nature of the incident, Klymenko cautioned against generalizing the actions of two officers to the entire police force. He assured that the investigation would be thorough and would look into the officers' prior conduct.
The gunman, identified as a 58-year-old man originally from Moscow and residing in Kyiv, was killed in a subsequent shootout with the police. Authorities are treating the shooting as a terrorist act, although the motive remains unclear. The incident has highlighted ongoing concerns regarding the effectiveness of Ukraine’s police force, especially during times of crisis. Reports indicate that eight individuals remain hospitalized, with one in critical condition. The authorities are investigating how the shooter obtained his firearm.
