Zelenskyy: Interior Ministry chairmen are not easily replaced, temporary management in place

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked everyone who helped save people in Brovary, where the chairmen of the Ministry of Internal Affairs were killed in a helicopter crash. A child was also killed and 11 more children were injured.

Source: Evening video address from President Zelenskyy to Ukrainians, on 18 January

Quote from Zelenskyy: "Another day of this terrible war, these tragedies that our people are experiencing, is passing. The terrible day that we have to go through, we have to endure. And we will handle it.

The rescue operation lasted almost nine hours in Brovary city, Kyiv Oblast, at the crash site of a helicopter of the State Emergency Service. Hundreds of people were involved in extinguishing the fire, searching for and rescuing the wounded, and taking priority investigative actions. Our rescuers, our police officers, National Guard soldiers, doctors, psychologists, employees of the Security Service of Ukraine.

I thank everyone who was involved in this rescue operation today.

Now I would like in particular to thank the teachers of kindergarten, on the territory of which this helicopter crashed. Ms Ruslana, Ms Olena, Ms Tamara, Ms Kateryna and all the kindergarten workers — I thank you! Thank you for your clear actions, for bringing the children out.

I also thank ordinary residents of Brovary, in particular Ms. Diana, Ms. Nadia and others who helped both children and the wounded. Thank you, Hlib and Andrii – the guys who also did not panic and helped.

There are 25 injured people, including 11 children. Fourteen people were killed, including one child. My condolences to all those who lost their relatives and friends!"

Details: Zelenskyy noted that the Security Service of Ukraine has started a criminal investigation into this terrible event. 

He instructed the chairman of the SBU, in cooperation with all other authorised bodies, to find out all the circumstances of the crash.

The president promised that as soon as clear facts are established about what exactly led to the accident, authorities will provide this information.

"All necessary decisions have already been made regarding the leadership of the Ministry of Internal Affairs system," Zelenskyy added.

Quote from Zelenskyy: "We lost people who were professionals, patriots, reliable leaders. Minister Denys Monastyrsky, Yevhen Yenin, and their colleagues who died in the crash are not people who can be easily replaced. A considerable loss for the state. My condolences to their family.

The chairman of the National Police of Ukraine will temporarily manage the Ministry. The duties that the minister was responsible for in the context of our defence operation and ensuring state security were also distributed. 

The border, the situation on the frontline territory, the participation of the National Guard and police in combat operations remain under control."

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