Oleksandr Fatsevych Appointed to Lead Patrol Police
Oleksandr Fatsevych has been appointed as the acting head of the Patrol Police Department, following the resignation of Yevhen Zhukov. This leadership change is a direct consequence of the police response to a terrorist attack in Kyiv's Holosiivskyi district on April 18. The attack, carried out by a 58-year-old native of Moscow, resulted in six fatalities. The assailant barricaded himself inside a supermarket, took hostages, and opened fire. Concurrently, a fire broke out in the attacker's registered apartment. The assailant was ultimately neutralized by the KORD special forces unit during a raid. This incident occurred as Ukraine continues to defend itself against a full-scale invasion, placing immense pressure on all state institutions.
Internal Investigation and Official Response
The National Police has launched an internal investigation into the conduct of officers during the attack. Two patrol officers have been suspended pending the review. A criminal case has also been initiated for the alleged failure to perform official duties. A video circulated online appears to show the inaction of two police officers who arrived at the scene but departed immediately after the first shots were fired.
Oleksandr Fatsevych, a police general of the third rank, is the Deputy Head of the National Police of Ukraine and the head of the patrol police. In the wake of the tragedy, plans have been announced to enhance police training. As stated by Ihor Klymenko,
“We must ensure such shameful situations never happen again. Patrol police officers will now take turns living and training at proving grounds. We will involve combat veterans from the first and second army corps of the National Guard, as well as from the State Border Guard Service, to serve as instructors.”
These events underscore the urgent need to improve the professional readiness of law enforcement for effective emergency response. The appointment of a new patrol chief and the initiatives to overhaul training signal a commitment to prevent similar tragedies. The ongoing internal and criminal investigations highlight the importance of accountability within the police force. These steps represent a potential turning point in rebuilding public trust and enhancing the effectiveness of law enforcement during critical incidents.
In light of the recent attack, the previous head of the Patrol Police, Yevhen Zhukov, has publicly addressed the alarming inaction of officers during the crisis. His comments highlight the need for accountability and reform within the force, emphasizing the urgency of the situation as Ukraine faces ongoing threats. For more insights on the criticisms raised regarding police conduct, you can read more about the former chief's perspective.