A shooting rampage in Kyiv, perpetrated by a Moscow-born gunman, has left six dead and 14 wounded, prompting a swift response from Ukrainian special forces.
A tragic shooting incident unfolded in Kyiv on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of six individuals and injuries to 14 others, including a 12-year-old boy. The assailant, a 58-year-old man born in Moscow, was killed by Ukrainian special forces after he opened fire in a supermarket and took hostages, according to Ukrainian officials.
The shooter, who had long resided in the Donetsk region, reportedly took at least four hostages during the attack. He fatally shot one hostage and killed four others on the street, as confirmed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. Another victim succumbed to injuries at a hospital following the incident.
Graphic footage captured by witnesses depicted the gunman firing at a victim at close range, with bodies visible on the pavement and in nearby courtyards. The situation escalated, prompting Ukrainian special forces to storm the supermarket after 40 minutes of unsuccessful negotiations.
Among the injured were a supermarket security guard and the young boy, as reported by Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Authorities have indicated that the number of wounded may increase as more individuals seek medical assistance.
Prior to the shooting, the gunman allegedly set fire to an apartment, though it remains unclear if this act resulted in any injuries. In a post on X, President Zelenskyy expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and wished a swift recovery to the injured.
Despite having a criminal record, the shooter held a valid weapons permit, raising concerns among authorities. Investigations are being conducted by the National Police and the Security Service of Ukraine to ascertain the details surrounding the attack.
Ukraine’s security service has classified the shooting as an act of terrorism. President Zelenskyy stated, “All available information about him and the motives behind his actions is being thoroughly investigated. Every detail must be verified.”
A neighbor of the shooter, 75-year-old Hanna Kulyk, described him as an “educated, refined man” who lived alone and rarely socialized. “You’d never guess he was some kind of criminal,” Kulyk told The Associated Press.
This incident marks a significant escalation in violence and has drawn attention to ongoing security concerns in Ukraine. As investigations continue, officials are working to ensure the safety of the public and prevent further tragedies.
According to Fox News, the situation remains fluid as authorities gather more information about the shooter and the circumstances leading up to the attack.