Ruling on Officer Mykhailo Drobnytskyi
The Pechersk District Court of Kyiv has ruled on patrol officer Mykhailo Drobnytskyi, who is accused of professional negligence with grave consequences during a terrorist attack in Kyiv on April 18, 2026. The court ordered a pre-trial detention measure, with the option of posting bail set at 266,240 hryvnias. This measure will remain in effect for 60 days, until June 18, 2026. The court's decision was issued on April 21.
Aftermath of the Terrorist Attack
The attack in the Holosiivskyi district resulted in the deaths of six people, including a 12-year-old boy who lost his parents. The incident stemmed from a conflict between a gunman and a neighbor, which escalated into gunfire. A patrol police unit was the first to arrive on the scene but reportedly left the location immediately after the initial shots were fired.
In response, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko announced the dismissal of the patrol crew. The crew consisted of a 44-year-old female officer who had served since 2015 and a 27-year-old officer who began his service in early 2024.
The National Police has launched an internal investigation into the officers' actions during the attack. The two patrol officers have been suspended from duty for the duration of the inquiry. A criminal proceeding has been initiated regarding the improper performance of official duties. Video footage showing the inaction of the two police officers has been circulated online.
The head of the Patrol Police, who was dismissed following the attack, has been appointed to a new position. It is noted that Kyiv's police force is operating with a staffing shortage exceeding 20%. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko stated:
"This is no excuse at all – over 10 years, one could have learned how to respond. More precisely, the leadership could have trained and prepared all personnel for extreme situations." - Ihor Klymenko
This case highlights significant systemic issues in the training and response protocols of Ukrainian law enforcement. The internal investigation and dismissals underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in personnel preparedness to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Given the ongoing high-threat environment in Ukraine, it is critical for first responders to be fully equipped to act swiftly and decisively, as lives depend on their actions.
In light of the recent ruling on officer Mykhailo Drobnytskyi, the situation within the Kyiv police force is further complicated by the recent dismissal of other patrol officers involved in a mass shooting incident. This leadership shakeup raises questions about accountability and the operational readiness of the police, as staffing shortages continue to plague the force. For a deeper understanding of the changes in police leadership and their implications, read more about the recent dismissals here.