Ukraine: Gunman Shot Dead After Killing Spree in Kyiv

A deadly shooting erupted in Kyiv’s central district on Saturday, leaving six dead and over a dozen injured, according to officials. The assailant, who had taken hostages, was ultimately killed by security forces after a 40-minute negotiation.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the attack in a nightly video statement, expressing condolences to the victims’ families. “Everything that can be known about him and why he did this is being clarified,” he said, emphasizing the need for thorough investigation.

“My condolences to the families and the loved ones,” Zelenskyy said, noting the shooting occurred in the Holosiivskyi district, known for its green spaces. He added that 14 individuals were injured in the incident.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko announced a “special operation” to capture the attacker, who had entered a supermarket before opening fire. “The shooting resulted in injuries and several fatalities,” he stated, highlighting the chaos of the attack.

Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko revealed that one of the victims was a 12-year-old boy, whose parents perished in the attack. Video footage captured police taking cover in the shopping mall as the gunman fired at close range, leaving little chance for survival.

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed the suspect was killed during an attempt to arrest him. “He had taken people hostage and fired at police officers during the arrest,” Klymenko explained on social media, describing the suspect’s methodical approach.

Details about the attacker’s identity continue to emerge. He was born in Moscow in 1958, as per Kravchenko, and is believed to hold Ukrainian citizenship. Local media reported he had resided in the Donbas region for years, a key area in the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Zelenskyy noted the suspect had a criminal record and had set fire to his apartment prior to the attack. “All the circumstances are being established to determine the motive,” he said, underscoring the need for further inquiry.

The SBU security service has classified the incident as a “terrorist act,” signaling its intent to investigate the attack as an intentional act of violence.