Zelenskyy announced a shake-up at the Ministry of Internal Affairs following the terrorist attack in Kyiv
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that following the high-profile attack in the capital, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko will carry out sweeping personnel changes throughout the entire ministry.
The head of state also emphasized the need for a fundamental review of law enforcement protocols for responding to such emergencies.
The President heard a detailed report from the minister regarding the investigation into the circumstances of the terrorist attack and the egregious inaction of two patrol officers.
As a reminder, cameras captured how the police officers, instead of apprehending the killer, effectively fled the scene of the crime, leaving civilians in danger.
Currently, the State Bureau of Investigations has already opened a criminal case regarding the improper performance of duties by police officers.
Investigators will examine why the crew did not use their weapons and did not take measures to protect people at a critical moment.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted: “Criminal proceedings regarding this incident are already underway, and there will be a full review of the patrol officers’ actions—they should have acted in those circumstances. The State Bureau of Investigations is handling this case. The Security Service of Ukraine and the National Police of Ukraine are jointly conducting the investigation into the attack and verifying all facts regarding the killer, his condition, and how he obtained the weapon.”
The President emphasized that systemic reform must address not only the punishment of those responsible but also the very model of personnel training.
“The minister will draw personnel conclusions across the entire chain of command. We must also review the protocols for responding to such situations, as well as the selection and training of patrol officers,” he added.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Condemns Bloody Terrorist Attack in Kyiv
Footage from the Kyiv terrorist’s apartment has emerged
The attack took place on Saturday, April 18, when 58-year-old Dmytro Vasylchenkov opened fire on pedestrians on Demiivska Street, after which he took hostages at the “Velmart” supermarket. Six people were killed in the attack, and about 15 others were injured to varying degrees.
Earlier, a video appeared online showing police officers fleeing from the shooter during the terrorist attack in Kyiv on April 18, leaving civilians behind, including a child.
At the instruction of Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko, an internal investigation has been launched into the actions of patrol officers at the scene of the shooting in Kyiv. For the duration of the investigation, the police officers involved in the incident have been suspended from duty.
