On April 18, a shooting incident in the Golosiivskyi district of Kyiv resulted in the deaths of seven individuals. Police officers responding to the scene faced criticism for their actions as they fled instead of intervening.
The tragic event unfolded when patrol officers Mikhailo Drobnytskyi and Anna Dudyina received a call about gunfire near a residential building. Upon arrival, they discovered multiple victims, including a 9-year-old boy. Shortly thereafter, the shooter, identified as 58-year-old Dmytro Vasylenkov, emerged from the building and began firing indiscriminately.
Instead of confronting the assailant, the officers retreated, leaving the injured behind. Vasylenkov continued his rampage, eventually seeking refuge in a supermarket where he was later neutralized by special forces. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, leading to the dismissal of four police commanders, including the head of the patrol police department.
The State Bureau of Investigation has charged the officers with negligence leading to severe consequences. On April 21, a Kyiv court ruled to arrest Drobnytskyi and Dudyina, allowing them the option to post bail of 266,000 hryvnias. During the hearing, the officers maintained that they did not flee but rather sought shelter due to the danger.
According to Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko, prior to the officers’ arrival, Vasylenkov had been involved in an altercation with neighbors, during which he used a traumatic pistol before escalating to a rifle. Witnesses captured video footage of the officers fleeing, which has intensified public scrutiny of their actions.
In court, prosecutors argued that the officers ignored their duty to provide aid to the wounded and failed to use their firearms to stop the shooter. Evidence presented included body camera footage showing the chaotic scene as the officers retreated.
Drobnytskyi expressed remorse during the proceedings, stating he felt compelled to seek cover after the shooter opened fire. His defense attorney contended that the accusations against him were unfounded and emphasized the need for a thorough investigation.
Dudyina, also facing charges, described her experience during the incident, asserting that she was attempting to assist the injured boy when the shooting began. She indicated that she did not flee but went to retrieve medical supplies.
Both officers have been placed in custody, with their legal representatives planning to appeal the court’s decision. The investigation into the shooting continues as authorities work to determine Vasylenkov’s motives.
A shooting in Kyiv resulted in seven fatalities and has led to the arrest of two police officers for their failure to act during the incident. The case has drawn significant public criticism and prompted internal investigations within the police force.