Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, Acting President of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov has said that the events in the east of the country showed inaction, helplessness, and sometimes treason of law enforcement officers in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. "This is one of the main causes of low efficiency and poor performances of Ukrainian law enforcement agencies in combating terrorism. It's hard to admit, but it's true. The vast majority of law enforcers in the east are unable to fulfill their duty to protect our citizens," Turchynov said in an address to the Ukrainian people published on the Web site of the Verkhovna Rada on April 29.
The acting president noted that new heads of the SBU were appointed in Donetsk and Luhansk. The leadership of the Alpha special force has been replaced.
“I also demand that the interior minister should dismiss heads of regional departments of the Interior Ministry in Luhansk and Donetsk regions. All representatives of law-enforcement agencies on the ground who are unable to perform their professional duties will be dismissed. Those so-called law enforcers who betrayed Ukraine and began to cooperate with terrorists will be brought to justice,” Turchynov promised.
He also said that the situation in Donetsk and Luhansk regions showed “that we have no other choice” but to fully replace the staff of the police and the Security Service in the east.
