On April 21, 2023, Ukrainian cities faced significant security challenges as Russian forces launched drone strikes on Sumy, resulting in multiple injuries. Concurrently, two Kyiv police officers were charged with negligence during a recent terrorist attack in the capital, prompting a response from President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Drone Strikes in Sumy
In the early hours of April 21, Sumy was targeted by Russian drone attacks, which led to at least ten explosions across the city. Reports indicate that six individuals were injured, including a 17-year-old. The strikes occurred shortly after 1:20 AM, with over five hits recorded in the residential area of the Zarichne district, according to Artem Kobzar, the city council secretary. Damage was reported to residential buildings and vehicles, as well as a healthcare facility.
According to Oleksandr Hryhorov, the head of the regional military administration, the drone strikes specifically targeted residential sectors, causing extensive damage.
Police Negligence During Terrorist Attack
In a separate incident, two patrol officers in Kyiv have been charged with criminal negligence linked to their response during a terrorist attack in the Holosiivskyi district. General Prosecutor Ruslan Kravchenko announced that the officers are suspected of failing to act appropriately when they arrived at the scene of a shooting that resulted in multiple casualties.
“Instead of intervening, the patrol crew fled the scene, despite having firearms and legal grounds to use them,” Kravchenko stated.
The investigation revealed that the officers arrived to find several individuals injured, including a child, yet did not take action to stop the ongoing threat. The shooting, which occurred on April 18, resulted in the deaths of six people, with one more succumbing to injuries later.
“From 4:35 PM to 6:00 PM on April 18, six individuals were killed in Kyiv. Tragically, another victim died in the hospital, bringing the total to seven,” Kravchenko added.
The officers face charges under Article 367 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, which carries a potential sentence of up to eight years in prison. The State Bureau of Investigation has requested that they be held in custody pending trial.
Presidential Response
President Zelensky addressed the police officers’ actions, emphasizing the need for accountability. He stated that the officers should have done everything possible to protect civilians during the attack.
“Patrol officers were expected to stop the attacker but instead fled. There must be accountability. I expect that the procedural steps regarding them will not be delayed,” Zelensky remarked.
He also called for a comprehensive review of police protocols to ensure better responses in critical situations, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Potential Diplomatic Engagements
Zelensky further discussed the possible visits of U.S. Special Representative Steve Vtikhov and Jared Kushner to Ukraine, indicating that such meetings are crucial for ongoing negotiations involving Ukraine, the United States, and Russia.
He expressed readiness for discussions in any format, stressing the importance of achieving results. Current communications are ongoing, but he noted that the primary obstacle remains Russia’s reluctance to conclude the conflict.
“The quickest way to end the violence is through direct contact along the front lines. Serious parties must engage in this process,” he stated.
Zelensky highlighted that diplomatic steps must follow a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire, warning that demands for Ukraine to withdraw from the Donbas region are unacceptable and strategically dangerous.
Claims of Territorial Control
In a related development, the Ukrainian military refuted claims made by the Russian Ministry of Defense regarding the capture of the village of Zybyn in the Kharkiv region. The 16th Army Corps of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that Russian forces have not established control over the area.
“The enemy continues to employ tactics of declaring control over settlements without actual dominance,” the report stated.
Furthermore, the Ukrainian military indicated ongoing assaults by Russian troops, aiming to expand their controlled territory, while also reporting successful strikes against enemy forces.
“The enemy’s assault groups were detected in advance and engaged, resulting in significant losses,” the report concluded.
Recent drone attacks in Sumy have resulted in injuries, while two Kyiv police officers face charges for negligence during a terrorist incident. President Zelensky has called for accountability and a review of police protocols, emphasizing the need for effective responses in critical situations.