Police General Steps Down
Yevhenii Zhukov, a general of the National Police of Ukraine, has resigned from his post as head of the Patrol Police Department. His resignation was accepted on April 19, 2026, and stems from a scandal involving patrol officers who abandoned their post during a terrorist attack in Kyiv. The National Police has launched an internal investigation into the actions of officers who arrived at the scene but subsequently left, leaving wounded civilians in danger. This incident has sparked a major public outcry and raised serious questions about police conduct under pressure.
Kyiv Terror Attack Details
As part of the probe, two patrol officers have been suspended pending the investigation's outcome, and a criminal case has been initiated for dereliction of duty. The attack occurred on April 18 in Kyiv's Holosiivskyi district, where a 58-year-old native of Moscow opened fire, barricaded himself inside a supermarket, and took hostages. Concurrently, a fire broke out in the attacker's registered apartment. The gunman was neutralized by the KORD special forces unit during an assault.
The shooting resulted in the following fatalities:
- 5 people killed at the scene
- 1 woman who later died in hospital
This brings the total death toll to 6. Ten people were hospitalized with injuries, and another six received medical aid on-site. As of midday on April 19, eight individuals remained in hospitals, including one child in stable but moderately serious condition. Among the adults, one patient was in extremely critical condition, three were in serious condition, and three were in moderately serious condition.
National Police Chief Ivan Vyhivskyi stated that the situation was deeply shameful and that the internal investigation would be thorough, with all commanders held accountable for their subordinates' actions. Commenting on his decision to resign, Yevhenii Zhukov said:
“As a combat officer, I made the decision to submit a report requesting release from the position I hold. I believe this is the right thing to do.” - Yevhenii Zhukov
The events surrounding the Kyiv tragedy continue to resonate publicly, with General Zhukov's resignation marking a significant development in the investigation of an incident that cost lives and cast doubt on law enforcement actions. This case underscores the critical need for accountability and transparency within police forces, especially during crises where public safety is paramount. The ongoing investigation could potentially drive reforms within Ukraine's security service management systems.
The fallout from this attack extends beyond the immediate tragedy, as the actions of the officers involved are now under scrutiny. The ongoing criminal inquiry into police conduct highlights the urgent need for accountability and reform within the National Police, raising concerns about their preparedness in crisis situations.