Minister Orders Probe After Kyiv Police Flee Terrorist Attack

Incident in Kyiv's Holosiivskyi District

According to Главком: A video has emerged showing two police officers abandoning their posts as a terrorist opened fire in Kyiv's Holosiivskyi District on April 19, 2026. The incident resulted in an adult male falling while attempting to flee the threat. Military serviceman Ihor Lutsenko has commented on the event, which occurred as Ukraine continues to face security challenges.

Ukraine's Minister of Internal Affairs, Ihor Klymenko, has instructed the head of the National Police of Ukraine, Ivan Vyhivskyi, to conduct an official investigation. The findings of this inquiry are to be submitted to the State Bureau of Investigation.

Ihor Lutsenko's Analysis

Ihor Lutsenko offered his perspective on the situation, suggesting that if the state consistently asserts that police are not meant for war, it should be no surprise they may be unprepared during critical moments.

“If the state, through its highest officials, constantly tells them they are not created for war, that their handling of weapons is somehow inadequate, that even assisting with mobilization notification measures is too heavy a burden for them – then we should not be surprised that the average police officer, like a saiga antelope, starts to run at the most dramatic moment,” Lutsenko noted.

He also raised questions about the police's role under wartime conditions: 'Do we now have a better chance to cleanse the police through participation in real combat? At least a month a year? Is the front line not gasping from a lack of fighters? Do we need such police in the rear who, having a numerical advantage, abandon those they are supposed to protect and run?'

These comments underscore the critical importance of law enforcement readiness in the face of direct threats. This incident serves as a significant indicator of the preparedness level of Ukrainian police during military threats. The question of whether officers can adequately perform their duties during terrorist attacks must become a subject of serious discussion and reform. The results of the official investigation could influence future security policy and law enforcement training, which is critically important given the country's current situation.

This alarming incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding police preparedness in crisis situations. As the investigation unfolds, it is crucial to consider the broader implications for law enforcement in Ukraine. For a detailed overview of the Interior Minister's directives regarding the police response to this attack, you can read more in our article about the inquiry into police actions during the terrorist attack.