A 58-year-old gunman born in Moscow opened fire with an automatic weapon in Ukraine’s capital Kyiv on Saturday, killing six people and wounding at least 14 others before police shot him dead, authorities said.
The attacker, who had long resided in Ukraine’s Donetsk region and had a prior criminal record, began his rampage by setting fire to an apartment. He then went onto the street, where he shot four people at point-blank range, according to details provided by officials.
He entered a supermarket, shot a fifth victim inside, took hostages, and barricaded himself there. Negotiators attempted to contact him but failed. Special police forces stormed the store, and the gunman was killed while resisting arrest. Four hostages were rescued.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the toll in a social media post: six people dead — including four shot on the street, one in the supermarket, and one who later died in hospital from injuries. He added that 14 people were reported wounded, a number that could rise as more seek medical help. Among the injured was a 12-year-old boy, and doctors are providing all necessary care.
“My condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims,” Zelenskyy wrote. “We wish all the wounded a swift recovery.”
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko detailed the sequence of events, noting that the attacker had shot victims with little chance of survival before taking hostages in the supermarket.
Ukraine’s security service is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism. All available information about the shooter and his motives is being thoroughly examined, Zelenskyy said, adding that every detail must be verified.
The attack occurred as Ukraine continues to face ongoing challenges from Russia’s full-scale invasion, now in its fifth year. In his statement, Zelenskyy also reiterated efforts to bolster the country’s air defenses, including cooperation with Sweden, while expressing concerns over potential delays in receiving American-made Patriot systems amid other global conflicts.
The shooting took place in Kyiv’s Holosiivskyi district. Authorities have not publicly released the gunman’s name.