Zelenskyy announced personnel changes at the Ministry of Internal Affairs following the terrorist attack in Kyiv

This was stated in the Ukrainian President’s evening address and in official statements from law enforcement agencies.

Zelenskyy reported that he had heard a briefing from Ihor Klymenko regarding the investigation into all the circumstances of the attack in Kyiv, as well as the inaction of two patrol officers who were at the scene of the crime but did not stop the attacker. The President emphasised that the investigation into the attack itself and the verification of all facts concerning the killer, his condition and how he obtained the weapon are being conducted jointly by the Security Service of Ukraine and the National Police. He also noted that the State Bureau of Investigation is already handling a separate case regarding the actions of the police officers.

The President separately stated that the protocols for patrol officers’ response to such situations, as well as the system for their recruitment and training, need to be reviewed. This, he said, should form part of the conclusions following the events in the Holosiivskyi district.

As of 19 April, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, eight injured people remained in the capital’s hospitals. One victim was in a critical condition, and a child was also among those hospitalised.

What is known about the attack and the security forces’ response

The SBU classified the shooting of civilians and the hostage-taking in the Holosiivskyi district as a terrorist act. According to law enforcement, six people were killed in the attack and a further 14 were injured. The attacker was neutralised during a special operation.

Following public outcry, the prosecutor’s office opened criminal proceedings regarding the alleged dereliction of duty by police officers during the attack. The legal classification is Part 3 of Article 367 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, namely, professional negligence resulting in serious consequences. The pre-trial investigation in this matter is being conducted by the State Bureau of Investigations.

Against the backdrop of this case, the head of the Patrol Police Department, Yevhen Zhukov, submitted his resignation. During a briefing, he described the actions of two police officers at the scene of the terrorist attack as shameful and stated that he considered his decision to be fair.

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