Minister Criticizes Police Patrols' 'Psychological Weakness' During Kyiv Terror Attack

Assessment of Police Actions During Kyiv Terror Attack

According to Главком: Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko has evaluated the conduct of police patrol units during a recent terror attack in Kyiv. According to the minister, the initial call to police reported an act of hooliganism. The responding patrol officers only learned about the active shooter and casualties while en route to the scene. Additional units soon arrived and assisted in managing the situation.

A boy found in the danger zone was first moved to a secure location and then evacuated. Officers from the KORD special forces unit acted swiftly and professionally despite the high-stress circumstances. Negotiations with the attacker lasted for 40 minutes. The gunman was in an irrational state, moving through the store, firing his weapon, and showing no response to those around him.

Ihor Klymenko stated that 'their conduct in that moment was a profound disgrace'.

The minister emphasized that two adults, sworn to protect, left the boy sitting on the asphalt and fled themselves. He added that these individuals should have taken a defensive position and attempted to stop the shooter by all necessary means, up to and including immediate neutralization. In his words, 'at that specific moment, these two people displayed psychological weakness'. This incident highlights the immense pressure first responders face during active terror situations.

Professionalism in Crisis Response

Klymenko also noted that all other units involved subsequently performed with professionalism. The KORD officers, he said, acted quickly and competently, and he has witnessed such operations before. The shooter behaved aggressively, firing without issuing any threats or communicating with people nearby.

The evaluation of law enforcement actions during the attack underscores the critical importance of professionalism in crisis scenarios. The Interior Minister's focus extends beyond the successful KORD operation to the unjustifiable actions of those duty-bound to protect citizens. This situation may serve as a basis for further analysis and improvement of law enforcement training, as well as for shaping public opinion regarding the accountability of individuals with protective duties.

By stressing the importance of collective responsibility, such cases can influence future security policies and inter-agency cooperation protocols.

This incident has prompted significant scrutiny of police protocols, leading to the suspension of two patrol officers as part of a criminal investigation into their actions during the attack. For more details on the ongoing inquiry and its implications for law enforcement, visit the criminal inquiry into police actions.