Following a tragic shooting incident in Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged a reassessment of police response protocols. In a video address, he emphasized the need for accountability among officers who fled the scene of the attack.
On April 18, in the Holosiivskyi district, a gunman opened fire, resulting in the deaths of four individuals on the street. The assailant then barricaded himself inside a supermarket, where an additional victim was killed. The total death toll later rose to seven after the gunman was neutralized during a police operation.
Zelensky criticized the patrol officers who responded to the shooting, stating, “The crew arrived at the call and saw what was happening, witnessed the injured, including a child, yet they fled the scene. They should have done everything possible to stop the shooter. There must be accountability.” He expressed hope that subsequent legal actions against the officers would not be delayed.
He further highlighted the necessity for a comprehensive review of police training protocols, weapon use guidelines, and response procedures to prevent future incidents. “There must be safety for everyone,” he added.
In the aftermath of the shooting, National Police Chief Ivan Vyhivskyi reported that two patrol officers were dispatched to a conflict call and learned of the shooter en route. Upon arrival, they heard gunfire and rushed towards the injured, but retreated to their vehicle after shots were fired, a moment captured on surveillance footage that circulated on social media.
As a result of their actions, the two officers have been charged with negligence. On April 20, Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko released body camera footage showing the officers’ arrival at the scene, where they encountered the wounded, including a child and two adults in need of urgent medical assistance.
In response to a deadly shooting in Kyiv that left seven dead, President Zelensky has called for a review of police response protocols and accountability for officers who fled the scene. The incident has raised serious concerns about police training and readiness in crisis situations.