Head of Ukraine’s National Police Khatia Dekanoidze resigns

Head of the National Police of Ukraine Khatia Dekanoidze has announced her resignation.

She made such a statement at a press conference on Monday, November 14, Ukrayinska Pravda online newspaper reports.

“I have performed my duties, and I announce my resignation,” Dekanoidze said.

She said that during her activity at this post the recertification of police officers had been held, a new body of internal security on the control over the police had been opened, the department or protection of human rights had appeared.

“However, the biggest achievement is that I managed to prove that the police can be honest and open,” Dekanoidze said.

“None of the police officers can say I gave the criminal orders,” she said.

According to Dekanoidze, she was able to ensure the increase in trust in the police, and willingness of the officers to work pursuant to new principles.

“However, I want to be honest and say about our failures. We failed to avoid losses and tragedies. I offer my condolences to the families of the fallen and injured. We failed to eliminate corruption completely…” she said.

She named three main components for the independent police: sufficient funding, the reform of the courts. “And, finally, a policy of noninterference of politicians in the work of the police,” she said.

In turn, Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov approved the resignation of Head of the National Police of Ukraine Khatia Dekanoidze.

He noted the effective team work and considerable Dekanoidze’s contribution to the reform of the Interior Ministry.

“It was a difficult, but very important step that will go down in history of the Ukrainian police. I am happy we had effective manager and supporter Khatia Dekanoidze,” Avakov wrote on Facebook.

The Minister noted that respected the decision of Khatia to start a new stage in her life and wished her success.

Vadym Troyan will be acting Head of the National Police of Ukraine so far, the Minister added.