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Cherkasy Police Chief Steps Aside as Probe Into Deadly Raid Deepens

The move aims to preserve investigative independence after an operation that left officers dead.

Overview

  • Four police officers were killed and one wounded during a Jan. 27 attempt to detain a suspect in Cherkasy Oblast; the suspect also died during the incident in the village of Nehvoroshch.
  • The State Bureau of Investigation said it will conduct a full inquiry to establish circumstances and ensure an objective outcome.
  • Veterans who rallied in Cherkasy pressed for the police chief’s removal rather than a temporary step-back and set a deadline of the morning of Feb. 5.
  • Social-media posts identified the alleged shooter as Serhii Rusinov and alleged a local land dispute with councillor Vitaliy Storozhuk, claims that remain unverified and are rejected by Storozhuk.
  • Officials said the deceased suspect was a 59-year-old former serviceman suspected in a December 2025 attempted murder, while the family secured access to the body and is seeking an independent examination.