Tragedy in Pryluky
A police officer has been sentenced to eight years in prison for a fatal road collision in Pryluky, a city in the Chernihiv region of northern Ukraine, that resulted in the death of a six-year-old girl. The Pryluky City District Court of Chernihiv Oblast handed down the verdict, finding the officer guilty in the tragedy that took place on December 10, 2025. The penalty is the maximum permitted: eight years of imprisonment, plus a three-year revocation of driving privileges. The court also ordered the payment of 6 million hryvnias in compensation for non-pecuniary damage to the victims.
Details of the Accident
The crash occurred at approximately 11:44 on Vyacheslav Chornovil Street. The officer, driving an official Mitsubishi Outlander, struck a woman and her six-year-old daughter at an unsignalized pedestrian crossing. The posted speed limit in that area was 40 km/h, but the SUV was traveling at around 51–55 km/h. At the time, the vehicle's flashing lights were on, but the audible siren was not activated. The driver did not slow down before the crossing, failed to yield to the pedestrians, and could not bring the car to a halt in time. The forensic examination concluded that following traffic rules would have averted the collision.
The six-year-old child died as a result of her injuries; her mother sustained injuries of moderate severity. The defendant partially admitted responsibility. While the court found no mitigating or aggravating circumstances, it did take into account that the officer was performing a work assignment during the incident.
"The evidence gathered and examined at trial fully confirmed her guilt and the direct causal connection between the traffic violations and the child's death. The court supported the prosecution's position and imposed the maximum sentence of eight years. Police officer status does not exempt anyone from liability – on the contrary, it carries an increased obligation to act within the law and ensure safety."
Viktor Logachov, prosecution representative
The case has sparked considerable public debate, underscoring the importance of road safety, especially for those in positions of authority. The verdict sends a strong message that legal violations committed during service can still carry severe consequences. Such incidents also raise questions about public trust in law enforcement and its ability to ensure safety on the roads.
The recent sentencing of the officer in Pryluky highlights ongoing concerns regarding road safety and accountability among law enforcement. In a similar case, an Audi TT driver was sentenced to three years in prison for a fatal crash in Kyiv, raising questions about the enforcement of traffic regulations and the consequences for those who violate them. For more details on this case, you can read about the three-year prison sentence for the Audi driver.