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 in question had been suspended and that an investigation into their actions was under way. Klymenko emphasized the importance of police acting to protect civilians, particularly during critical moments.
Zhukov did not shy away from the fallout, stating the officers had failed to assess the situation properly and ‘left civilians in danger’. He explained his decision to resign as a need for accountability after the unprofessional actions of his personnel.
Ukrainian authorities are treating the shooting as a terrorist act, although no motive has been disclosed, with Klymenko describing the shooter's mental state as ‘clearly unstable’. While eight people remain hospitalized, officials have reported that one adult is in an 'extremely serious condition'.
Despite the rare nature of such shootings in Kyiv, the Interior Minister clarified that there would not be a mass check of gun owners in the area. He affirmed the citizens' right to self-defense, especially in light of the ongoing threats posed during the war with Russia.
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 in question had been suspended and that an investigation into their actions was under way. Klymenko emphasized the importance of police acting to protect civilians, particularly during critical moments.
Zhukov did not shy away from the fallout, stating the officers had failed to assess the situation properly and ‘left civilians in danger’. He explained his decision to resign as a need for accountability after the unprofessional actions of his personnel.
Ukrainian authorities are treating the shooting as a terrorist act, although no motive has been disclosed, with Klymenko describing the shooter's mental state as ‘clearly unstable’. While eight people remain hospitalized, officials have reported that one adult is in an 'extremely serious condition'.
Despite the rare nature of such shootings in Kyiv, the Interior Minister clarified that there would not be a mass check of gun owners in the area. He affirmed the citizens' right to self-defense, especially in light of the ongoing threats posed during the war with Russia.
