Kyiv Police Chief Resigns After Officers Flee During Deadly Mass Shooting

Yevhen Zhukov, head of Ukraine's patrol police, resigned following criticism over the conduct of two officers who fled during a mass shooting in Kyiv's Holosiivskyi district on April 18, 2026.

The attack resulted in six deaths and 14 injuries.

The gunman opened fire on civilians in the street before taking hostages in a nearby supermarket.

He was later killed in a shoot-out with police.

Video footage circulated online showing two officers leaving civilians behind and running away from the scene.

This prompted swift disciplinary action, with Interior Minister Igor Klymenko suspending the officers and launching an investigation into their behaviour.

Klymenko described the officers' actions as "unworthy" and emphasized that "serve and protect" must be upheld, especially in critical moments.

However, he cautioned against generalizing their conduct to the entire police force.

Zhukov acknowledged the officers had "failed to assess the situation properly and left civilians in danger," calling their behaviour "unprofessional and unworthy." He stated that, as a combat officer, he decided to resign from his position.

President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the officers' "inaction" and confirmed a criminal case is underway, which will also review their prior service records.

He highlighted the pain of losing civilians in such attacks amid ongoing conflict.

Authorities are treating the shooting as a terrorist act.

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