What happened
On February 6, a new head of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Cherkasy Oblast was introduced in Cherkasy — Colonel Yaroslav Mezhennyi. The regional police press service reported on the official presentation, which was conducted by National Police chief Ivan Vyhivskyi.
The reason for the leadership change was a high-profile shooting in which four police officers were killed. The National Police reported the deaths as early as January 27; on February 3 the then-head of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Cherkasy Oblast, Oleh Hudima, temporarily ceased performing his duties pending the investigation.
Career of the new head
Mezhennyi has served in law enforcement since 2003. Virtually his entire career has been linked to Donetsk Oblast: assignments in Bakhmut, Lyman, and Mariupol. Since January 2026 he had been serving as the acting head of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Donetsk Oblast. His profile highlights experience organizing service activities under conditions of increased complexity, which, according to the rationale for the appointment, is intended to be a key factor in choosing a leader for Cherkasy Oblast.
Tasks and official position
“First of all, it is important to ensure cooperation with all law enforcement structures, local authorities, public organizations and communities. We must work together to ensure the security of the entire region,”
— Ivan Vyhivskyi, head of the National Police
At the presentation Vyhivskyi outlined priorities: improving interagency communication, increasing operational readiness, and restoring community trust after the tragedy. The appointment signals the leadership’s intent to apply practical experience gained in frontline conditions to address tasks in a peaceful region.
Context and what’s next
The decision to replace the head has two components: operational — to strengthen the investigation and preventive measures; political — to restore public trust and show that institutions respond to critical events. According to investigators, the shooting was carried out by a man who had previously been wanted for murder; some reports indicate he was a former serviceman who was hiding in the forest. The investigation continues, and the regional police under new leadership must demonstrate both operational results and transparent communication with the community.
Brief forecast: the appointment of Mezhennyi is a signal that security and interagency coordination are priorities. The coming weeks will show how quickly these declarations turn into tangible changes for the Cherkasy community and whether the investigation will provide answers that restore trust in law enforcement.
