Former Ukrainian Patrol Police Chief Zhukov Criticizes Officers' Inaction During Kyiv Terror Attack

Yevhenii Zhukov's Remarks on the Kyiv Terrorist Incident

According to Главком: Yevhenii Zhukov, the former head of the Patrol Police Department, has publicly criticized the actions of patrol officers during a terrorist attack in Kyiv that resulted in six fatalities. Zhukov's resignation from his post followed a scandal concerning police inaction at the scene, where officers failed to take necessary measures. The National Police of Ukraine has launched both an internal service investigation and a criminal proceeding into the alleged dereliction of duty.

Suspension of Officers and Public Reaction

The two patrol officers present at the attack site have been suspended from duty pending the investigation. One officer joined the police force in 2024, while his colleague has served since 2015. During the incident, the officers drew their weapons but did not fire a single shot. A video circulated online captured their inaction, showing them leaving the scene immediately after the initial gunshots. This incident has sparked a significant public debate in Ukraine about police preparedness and effectiveness in crisis situations.

'She may have had more experience, but what happened, happened.' Yevhenii Zhukov

Commenting on the situation, Zhukov emphasized that, as a former police unit commander, he believes the officers should have immediately used their weapons to neutralize the shooter. The case has raised serious concerns about the readiness of law enforcement to respond to terrorist threats. The lack of action by the patrol officers at a critical moment has drawn criticism not only of the individuals involved but of the system as a whole.

The ongoing internal investigation aims to clarify all circumstances of the event and identify any potential shortcomings in personnel training to prevent similar failures in the future. The scrutiny highlights the intense pressure on Ukrainian security services, which operate under the constant threat of Russian aggression and internal sabotage.

The recent incident has not only led to the resignation of Yevhenii Zhukov but has also triggered a broader discussion about police accountability in Ukraine. As the investigation unfolds, it is crucial to examine the implications of this crisis on law enforcement leadership and the measures needed to ensure a more effective response to emergencies in the future.