Two Patrol Officers Suspended Following Kyiv Terror Attack as Criminal Negligence Case Opens

Aftermath of the Kyiv Terrorist Attack

According to Главком: Following a terrorist attack in Kyiv, Ukrainian law enforcement has initiated a criminal investigation into the alleged inaction of two patrol police officers. The circumstances of the crime and the attacker's actions are being investigated by multiple agencies, including the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR), the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), and the National Police of Ukraine. According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the two patrol officers who failed to stop the attacker and instead fled the scene have already been suspended from duty. This incident has sparked a major review of police protocols and training in a country that has been under sustained threat since the full-scale invasion began.

The attack, which occurred on April 19, 2026, resulted in six fatalities and eight injuries. One of the victims remains in extremely critical condition. The shooter initiated the assault after a conflict with a neighbor, first firing at him with a non-lethal pistol. Video footage that later surfaced online shows that the police officers who initially responded to the call departed the scene immediately after the first shots were fired.

Official Response and Resignation

In the wake of the scandal surrounding the patrol officers' inaction, Police General Yevhenii Zhukov has resigned from his position as head of the Patrol Police Department of the National Police of Ukraine. Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko reported on the ongoing investigation, stating that personnel decisions are expected, along with a review of response protocols and the system for selecting and training patrol officers.

'I have just received a report from Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko on the investigation into all circumstances of the attack on people in Kyiv and the inaction of those two patrol officers who were at the crime scene but did not stop the killer and fled themselves. A criminal case has already been opened on this fact, and there will be a full review of the patrol officers' work-they should have acted in those circumstances. The DBR is handling this case.' Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Furthermore, the President noted: 'Minister Klymenko will draw personnel conclusions across the entire chain of command regarding the terrorist attack in Kyiv. It is also necessary to review the protocols for responding to such situations.' This indicates a serious approach to investigating the incident and an intent to ensure proper accountability for the failure to perform official duties.

This tragic event underscores the critical importance of effective law enforcement response during emergencies. The loss of life in the attack and the alleged police inaction have caused significant public outcry, highlighting the urgent need to re-examine the practices and procedures governing police work. The findings of the investigation are expected to lead to changes in the training and response systems for law enforcement, aiming to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The ongoing investigation into the actions of the suspended officers raises critical questions about police accountability and response protocols. As the situation unfolds, further developments are anticipated, including potential policy changes within the force. For a deeper insight into the implications of this incident and the police's handling of the attack, read more about the criminal inquiry into police actions during the attack.