Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko has ordered a formal investigation into police actions during a deadly shooting incident that occurred in Kyiv on April 18. The National Police Chief, Ivan Vihivskyi, confirmed that officers involved have been suspended from their duties while the inquiry takes place.
On April 19, both Klymenko and Vihivskyi shared updates on their social media accounts regarding the ongoing investigation. Klymenko emphasized that the motto “To serve and protect” must be backed by appropriate professional conduct, particularly in critical situations that impact public safety.
He assured the public that the findings of the investigation would be made public promptly and instructed that all relevant information regarding the incident be submitted to the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI).
The shooting in the Holosiivskyi district resulted in six fatalities and left 14 others injured, including a child. Eyewitness reports and videos circulating online show two police officers near a victim shortly before the shooting began, after which they reportedly fled the scene.
Vihivskyi stated on Facebook that the suspended officers would be subject to scrutiny as part of the investigation, which aims to clarify all circumstances surrounding the shooting, including reviewing video footage and witness statements. All gathered evidence will be forwarded to the SBI.
The incident unfolded when a man opened fire on pedestrians in the Holosiivskyi area before taking hostages inside a supermarket. The assailant was killed during a police operation to rescue the hostages. The Security Service of Ukraine has classified the attack as a terrorist act.
General Prosecutor Ruslan Kravchenko reported that the suspect, a 58-year-old man originally from Moscow, had a prior criminal record. President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that the assailant had previously lived in Donetsk and indicated that investigators are exploring multiple motives for the attack.
Following a tragic shooting in Kyiv that left six dead and 14 injured, Ukrainian authorities have initiated an investigation into police conduct during the incident. The Interior Minister has called for transparency and accountability as the investigation unfolds.