Kyiv Police Chief Resigns Amid Criticism Over Officers' Response to Mass Shooting

Yevhen Zhukov, head of Ukraine's Patrol Police, resigned on April 19 after a video surfaced showing officers fleeing the scene of a mass shooting in Kyiv's Holosiivskyi district. The incident on April 18 resulted in six deaths and multiple injuries. Zhukov described the officers' actions as "unprofessional and unworthy," stating, "They were poorly oriented and left wounded civilians in danger. A very shameful incident."

The shooting involved a 58-year-old gunman who opened fire on passersby before barricading himself in a supermarket with hostages. He was later killed by police. The attack is under investigation as an act of terrorism.

In response to the officers' conduct, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko ordered an internal investigation, emphasizing that "to serve and protect is not just a slogan. It must be backed by the appropriate professional conduct—especially in critical moments when lives depend on it."

In a separate development, Ukraine's Defense Ministry announced plans to procure 25,000 ground robotic systems in the first half of 2026, aiming to enhance frontline logistics and reduce risks to personnel. Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated, "Our goal—100 percent of frontline logistics should be performed by robotic systems."