Khmelnytskyi Police Push Back Against Lifting the Curfew

Curfew in Khmelnytskyi Region Receives Strong Police Backing

According to Главком: Ivan Ishchenko, head of the National Police Main Directorate in Khmelnytskyi Oblast, has voiced firm support for maintaining the region's curfew. He argues that the measure is essential for territorial control and to counter the risk of recruitment by Russian intelligence services. According to available information, the Khmelnytskyi Regional Defense Council has no plans to shorten or abolish this restriction. The curfew is currently in effect from midnight to 5:00 AM. Notably, Zakarpattia Oblast remains the only region in Ukraine that has not imposed a curfew since the start of martial law.

Appointed to his post on May 25, 2024, Ishchenko previously led the police force in Chernihiv Oblast. He stresses the curfew's critical role in police operations, stating:

“I support the curfew because it makes police work easier. We maintain control over the city and the entire region during nighttime hours.” - Ivan Ishchenko

Why the Curfew Matters for Security

Khmelnytskyi Oblast serves as a major logistics hub and transit corridor. According to Ishchenko, “if crimes are committed against logistics, it will cause immense harm to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the state as a whole. That is why we must keep these processes under control.”

Ishchenko identifies fraud as the most pressing crime category in the region, underscoring the need for proactive law enforcement measures. The curfew remains a key tool for ensuring safety across Khmelnytskyi Oblast.

The decision to keep the curfew in place reflects local police efforts to maintain security during martial law. Amid threats linked to external aggression, the curfew serves as a vital mechanism for upholding law and order, particularly in logistics-heavy zones. Police leadership emphasizes that such steps are necessary to prevent crimes that could undermine national security and the country's defense capabilities.

While Khmelnytskyi remains firm in its curfew policies to ensure safety, other regions are adapting their measures. For instance, the Sumy Region is set to reduce its curfew starting July 1. This contrast highlights the varying approaches across Ukraine as authorities respond to local security needs during martial law.