Veterans Stage Protest in Cherkasy, Demand Police Chief's Dismissal After Fatal Shooting

War Veterans Protest in Cherkasy

According to Главком: On February 1, 2024, veterans of the Russo-Ukrainian war staged a protest near the Cherkasy Regional Military Administration. Organized by veteran Serhiy Koval, the demonstrators demanded a transparent investigation into a shooting that claimed the lives of four police officers and former serviceman Serhiy Rusinov. The protesters also called for the dismissal of the head of the Cherkasy Regional National Police, Oleh Hudyma, and the release of Serhiy Rusinov's body to his family. According to the organizer, approximately 350 veterans from across Ukraine participated in the demonstration. This protest highlights the ongoing tensions and complex challenges facing Ukrainian society as it deals with the war's aftermath.

Roots of the Demonstration

The protest was triggered by a shooting perpetrated by a 59-year-old resident of the Korsun region, a former serviceman. The incident resulted in the deaths of four police officers, with one additional officer wounded. Serhiy Rusinov, who also died in the shooting, had defended Ukraine in 2014 during the Anti-Terrorist Operation and again from 2022 to 2024 following the full-scale invasion. He was demobilized due to injury and is survived by two sons who continue to serve in the Ukrainian army.

The protest grew more tense when police representatives did not come out to address the demonstrators. Veteran Serhiy Koval expressed his outrage:

"Our foremost demands are to draw attention to veterans, second, accountability for those responsible, and for the regional police chief to be removed. The person in charge knew what was happening. He knew what could happen and sent police officers there; they were shot dead, our comrade was also shot dead, and it hurts."

Another participant, Andriy Zozulya, noted: 'The state taught us to fight, to defend the land, Ukraine, our relatives and loved ones. Perhaps he saw no other way out for himself but to accept this fight. I am not justifying his actions; I myself went to him to resolve everything peacefully.'

Ivan Vyhivskyi, who was involved in the attempted apprehension, recounted that during negotiations with the barricaded assailant, police tried to reason with him, but he left the area and set up an ambush. These events proved critically important to the tragic outcome that followed.

The veterans' protest in Cherkasy underscores the profound social and emotional toll the war continues to take on service members and their families. The demonstrators' demands indicate that veterans seek not only justice but also recognition of their role and sacrifices. This situation could significantly impact relations between veterans and law enforcement, as well as public perceptions of safety and accountability in such incidents, necessitating a prompt and considered response from the state.