Ukraine Police Chief Resigns After Officers Allegedly Flee Deadly Kyiv Shooting

The head of Ukraine’s patrol police, Yevhen Zhukov, has stepped down following public outrage over allegations that two officers abandoned civilians during a deadly mass shooting in Kyiv.

The incident, which occurred in the Holosiivskyi district of the capital, left six people dead and 14 others injured after a 58-year-old gunman opened fire on pedestrians before taking hostages in a nearby supermarket. The attacker was later killed in a shootout with police.

Videos circulating online appeared to show officers retreating from the scene, sparking widespread criticism and prompting swift action from authorities. Ukraine’s Interior Minister, Igor Klymenko, confirmed that the officers involved had been suspended pending an investigation.

He stressed that policing requires decisive action, especially in life-threatening situations, but cautioned against judging the entire force based on the conduct of a few individuals.

Announcing his resignation, Zhukov admitted the officers had failed to properly assess the situation, describing their actions as unprofessional and unacceptable. He said stepping down was a matter of accountability.

President Volodymyr Zelensky also condemned the officers’ conduct, accusing them of inaction and confirming that a criminal probe has been launched. The investigation, he added, would also review their past service records.

Authorities are treating the attack as a terrorist act, though no clear motive has been established. Officials described the gunman’s mental state as unstable. Prior to the shooting, he reportedly set fire to his apartment.

Eight victims remain hospitalized, with one in critical condition.

While Kyiv has faced frequent attacks since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, such mass shootings are rare. The incident has reignited debate around gun ownership, though Klymenko maintained that citizens should retain the right to armed self-defence, particularly in wartime conditions.

Investigations are ongoing into how the suspect obtained and renewed a licence for the firearm used in the attack.