This presentation examines an active shooter response conducted under wartime conditions in Ukraine and explores the integration of negotiators into tactical operations. Using a real-world active shooter incident that occurred in 2026 as a case study, the presentation analyzes operational decision-making, coordination between negotiators, tactical teams, and incident commanders, challenges encountered during the response, and lessons learned. The presentation also highlights how the evolution of crisis negotiation capabilities in Ukraine contributed to operational effectiveness and strengthened the integration of tactics and negotiators during high-risk incidents. Participants will gain practical insights that can be applied to crisis response, tactical operations, and incident management within their own agencies.

Valeriia Podorozhko is a Lieutenant Colonel of Police with the National Police of Ukraine and serves as Head of the Analysis and Negotiation Section within the KORD Special Police Unit. A combat veteran, she previously served in frontline regions of eastern Ukraine and gained experience operating in high-risk environments. She is responsible for developing crisis negotiation capabilities within the National Police of Ukraine, including negotiator selection, training, operational support, and incident analysis. Since the beginning of the full-scale war in Ukraine, she has played a key role in integrating negotiators into high-risk law enforcement operations. Valeriia has participated in international training programs, including Crisis Systems Management (CSM), and attended the NTOA Crisis Negotiations Conference. Her presentation examines the evolution of crisis negotiation capabilities in Ukraine, lessons learned from an active shooter incident, and the integration of negotiators into tactical operations.