A tragic shooting incident in Kyiv has shocked the nation, after a gunman opened fire in a supermarket and nearby streets, leaving several people dead and many injured.
The attack took place in the Holosiivskyi district and quickly turned into a hostage situation before security forces stepped in. Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the attack, while the country mourns the victims.
What Happened in Kyiv?
The attack occurred in the Holosiivskyi district of Kyiv, where a man reportedly began shooting at random people on the street. Witnesses said he fired at close range, creating panic in the area.
After the initial shooting, the attacker entered a Velmart supermarket, where he took several people hostage. A shocking video from inside the store showed the gunman holding an automatic weapon while moving around the premises.
Police Response and Operation
Special forces from the National Police launched an operation to control the situation. According to Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko, officers first tried to negotiate with the attacker for around 40 minutes.
When the situation did not improve and the attacker continued to act unpredictably, special forces stormed the supermarket. The gunman resisted arrest and was eventually shot dead during the operation.
Hostages were safely led out of the building after the situation was brought under control.
Casualties and Injuries
The attack resulted in multiple casualties. Initially, officials reported five deaths, but later updates confirmed that six people had died, including a woman who passed away in hospital.
At least 14 people were injured in the incident. Among them was a 12-year-old boy, as confirmed by Volodymyr Zelensky. A four-month-old baby also suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning due to a fire and was treated at the scene.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko stated that all injured individuals are receiving medical care.
Fire and Chaos Inside the Store
Reports revealed that the attacker set fire to part of the supermarket before opening fire. Smoke from the fire added to the chaos, making the situation even more dangerous for those inside.
Gunshots were heard before the police launched their final operation. Authorities believe the fire and shooting were part of the attacker’s plan, though the exact motive is still unclear.
Details About the Gunman
The suspect was described as a 58-year-old man born in Moscow who had been living in Ukraine for several years. According to Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko, he had Ukrainian citizenship.
Reports suggest he had lived in the Donetsk region for a long time before moving to Kyiv. He was said to have a criminal history, although full details have not yet been officially released.
Local media claimed his name was Dmytry Vasylchenkov, but authorities have not confirmed this publicly.
Weapon and Legal Status
The attacker used a Kel-Tec Sub-2000 semi-automatic carbine. Officials confirmed that the weapon was legally registered.
It was also revealed that the man had recently approached authorities to renew his permit. He had provided the required documents, including a medical certificate, before the incident took place.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have launched a full investigation to understand what led to the attack. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that investigators are looking into multiple possible reasons behind the incident.
Officials are carefully examining the attacker’s background, actions, and mental state to determine what caused such violence.
