Zelensky calls for overhaul of police response protocols after Kyiv terror attack

The head of state stated this in his evening video address published on Facebook, according to Ukrinform.

Zelensky said he had received a report from Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko regarding the investigation into the attack and the conduct of two patrol officers who were present at the scene.

"Just now I received a report from the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, Ihor Klymenko, on the investigation of all circumstances of the attack in Kyiv on people and the inaction of those two patrol officers who were at the crime scene but did not stop the killer and themselves ran away. A criminal investigation has already been launched into this fact, and there will be a full review of the work of the patrol officers – they were supposed to act in those circumstances. The State Bureau of Investigation is handling this case," Zelensky said.

He added that the investigation into the attacker, his condition, and how he obtained a weapon is being conducted jointly by the Security Service of Ukraine and the National Police of Ukraine.

"The minister will draw personnel conclusions across the entire chain of command. We also need to revise response protocols for such situations, as well as the selection and training of patrol officers," he stated.

Zelensky said eight injured people remain in hospital, with one in critical condition, and added that all necessary assistance is being provided.

"We are going through a war and, unfortunately, there are daily human losses from Russian strikes at positions. It is especially painful to lose people like this – in an ordinary city, on the street. Eternal memory to all the victims," he said.

On Saturday, April 18, a gunman opened fire on civilians in Kyiv's Holosiivskyi district, later taking hostages in a store and shooting at police during the operation. He was eventually killed by law enforcement.

Six people were reported killed and 14 injured. The attacker was identified as a native of Moscow, according to the Prosecutor General's Office. He legally owned a carbine and shot four people on the street and a fifth victim – a hostage – inside the store.

The Security Service of Ukraine classified the incident as a terrorist attack. The pre-trial investigation is ongoing.

On April 19, the head of the Patrol Police Department, Yevhenii Zhukov, submitted his resignation following the attack.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine