A 58-year-old Ukrainian citizen born in Moscow opened fire on passersby in Kyiv’s Holosiivskyi district on Saturday, killing six people before taking hostages in a supermarket, Ukrainian police said.
Investigators sealed off the area and attempted to negotiate with the gunman, who refused to surrender. After a 40-minute standoff, police shot and killed him, the Interior Ministry confirmed.
Authorities are examining whether the attack was directed by Moscow, though no evidence has been made public to support that claim, prosecutors said.
The gunman’s identity and place of birth were verified through official records, police stated, noting he had no prior criminal record linked to extremist activity.
Forensic teams are reviewing surveillance footage and witness statements to reconstruct the sequence of events, while ballistic analysis is underway to determine the weapon used.
Kyiv prosecutors have opened a terrorism investigation, citing the scale of violence and the targeting of civilians in a public space.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and officials said they are not ruling out any motive at this stage.
The Holosiivskyi district remains under heightened police presence as investigators continue to interview witnesses and collect evidence from the scene.
Ukraine’s Security Service said It’s coordinating with national police to assess any potential external links, but emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and no conclusions have been drawn.
International partners, including the European Union’s delegation to Ukraine, have been briefed on the incident, though no formal statement has been issued.
The attack has prompted renewed discussions in Kyiv’s city council about public safety protocols in commercial areas, though no emergency measures have been announced.
Police have not released the gunman’s name, citing investigative protocols and the need to protect the integrity of the ongoing inquiry.
Victims’ identities are being withheld pending notification of next of kin, officials said, adding that medical examiners are completing autopsies to determine cause of death.
The supermarket where the hostage situation occurred remains closed as forensic operate continues, with no estimated timeline for reopening.
Ukrainian authorities have urged the public to avoid sharing unverified information online, warning that misinformation could hinder the investigation.
No arrests have been made in connection with the attack beyond the gunman, who was killed during the police operation.
The Interior Ministry said it will provide updates only when verified information becomes available, and declined to speculate on potential foreign involvement.
As of Sunday evening, the investigation remains active, with no further details released by prosecutors or police.
