By Ben Kerrigan-
Minister Denys Monastyrskyi and First Deputy Minister Yevhen Yenin are among 18 people killed in an air crash as well as three children.
Kyiv regional governor Oleksiy Kuleba said 29 people were also hurt in the crash, including 15 children. The cause of the air crash has not yet been established.
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Mr Kuleba added: “At the time of the tragedy, children and staff of the institution were in the kindergarten.
“Everyone has now been evacuated.”
Mr Monastyrskyi, who was in charge of the Ukrainian police and other emergency services, is the most senior Ukrainian official to have died since the start of the war with Russia almost 11 months ago.
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Anton Gerashchenko, advisor to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, said: “Minister of Internal Affairs Denys Monastyrskyi, his 1st deputy Yevhen Yenin and Ministry’s state secretary Yurii Lubkovych died today in Kyiv region.
“My colleagues, my friends. What a tragic loss. Deepest condolences to their families.”
Mr Monastyrskyi is the most senior Ukrainian official to have been killed since the start of the war with Russia last February.
There has been no immediate information about what caused the crash.
First lady Olena Zelenska was seen dabbing her eyes shortly before taking part in a World Economic Forum session in Davos, Switzerland.
She said: “Another very sad day today – new losses.”
UK foreign secretary James Cleverly tweeted: “Denys was a true friend of the UK. We are ready to support Ukraine in whatever way we can.”
The EU’s home affairs commissioner Ylva Johansson described Mr Monastyrsky as a “hero”.
Denys Monastyrskyi pictured previously with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Nine people were on board the helicopter, which came down in Brovary, east of Kyiv
Ukraine’s interior minister Denys Monastyrsky, the deputy interior minister and a state secretary were among those killed
They were on their way to the front line, an official from Ukraine’s presidential office said
President Zelensky called it a “black morning”
Officials often fly at low altitude to avoid Russian missiles but the cause of the crash is being investigated
People on the ground are among those killed – pupils and staff were in the kindergarten – and 22 people including 10 children are in hospital
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