Ukraine Police Chief Resigns Amid Allegations of Officers’ Retreat During Deadly Shooting

Yevhen Zhukov, the chief of Ukraine’s patrol police, has stepped down following scrutiny over two officers who were accused of fleeing during a lethal attack in Kyiv. The incident occurred in the southern Holosiivskyi district on Saturday, when a man opened fire on pedestrians, killing six and injuring 14 before seizing hostages in a nearby supermarket. Police ultimately killed him in a confrontation. Videos circulating online appear to depict officers abandoning civilians and retreating from the scene, sparking public backlash.

Interior Minister Condemns Officers’ Actions

Ukraine’s Interior Minister Igor Klymenko suspended the officers involved and confirmed an investigation into their conduct. In a Telegram post, 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.”

Klymenko also warned against generalizing the entire police force based on the actions of two individuals.

Chief Acknowledges Failures in Response

Zhukov admitted during a Sunday news conference that the officers “failed to properly assess the situation” and “left civilians in peril.” He called their behavior “unprofessional and unworthy,” stating,

“As a combat officer, I have decided to submit my resignation from the position I currently hold.”

The incident has been classified as a terrorist act by Ukrainian authorities, though no motive has been officially disclosed.

Victims and Shooter Background Revealed

Details about the victims are emerging. One man was the father of a child injured in the attack, and another victim is believed to be the boy’s aunt. The shooter, identified as a 58-year-old from Moscow, had previously resided in the Donetsk region, which is under Russian control. Officials noted he had lived in the Holosiivskyi district prior to the shooting. His weapon was officially registered, but investigators are examining how he secured the necessary documents to renew his license.

Gun Ownership and Security Context

Kyiv frequently faces attacks during the Russia-Ukraine war, yet such shootings are uncommon in the city. Klymenko stated there would be no widespread check of gun owners, arguing,

“I believe people should have the right to armed self-defence.”

He cited the need for civilian access to weapons after the initial invasion, when residents were armed for national resistance. Ukrainian law allows citizens to own non-automatic firearms if they meet criteria like having no criminal history or mental health issues. A 2023 survey indicated only about 3.4% of adults in Ukraine own guns.

Leaders Highlight Tragic Loss in Civilian Setting

President Volodymyr Zelensky noted the emotional impact of the attack, stating in a Sunday update,

“We are going through a war and every day, unfortunately, there are human losses from Russian strikes.”

He described the officers’ actions as “inaction” and confirmed a criminal case is being handled by the national investigations bureau, which will also review their prior work. Zelensky added,

“It is especially painful to lose people like this, in an ordinary city, just on the street.”