Horror In Kyiv: Lone Gunman Kills 6, Takes Hostages Before Police Shootout
Horror in Kyiv as gunman kills 6 on street, takes hostages in supermarket. Police kill 58-year-old attacker after 40 minutes. Zelenskyy confirms 4 hostages freed.
KYIV — Horror in Kyiv unfolded on Saturday after a lone gunman opened fire in the capital’s Holosiivskyi district, killing at least six people and injuring 15 others before taking hostages inside a supermarket.
Ukrainian authorities said the suspect began shooting at people on the street, sparking panic as residents ran for safety. The attacker then stormed a nearby supermarket where he held people hostage, triggering a major police response.
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed the attacker was a local resident. “The gunman opened fire on civilians before entering the supermarket with hostages,” Klymenko said during a press briefing.
Police Kill Gunman After 40-Minute Standoff
Security officials revealed that police negotiators spent around 40 minutes trying to de-escalate the situation while the suspect remained inside the supermarket. He was described as acting erratically and making no clear demands.
Authorities said the decision to neutralise him came after he killed one of the hostages and refused all attempts to cooperate. The gunman was killed during a shoot-out with security forces after negotiations failed.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later confirmed that four hostages were successfully freed during the operation. “Our forces acted to save lives. Four people were rescued,” Zelenskyy said.
*At Least 6 Dead, 15 InjureUkraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later confirmed that four hostages were successfully freed during the operation. “Our forces acted to save lives. Four people were rescued,” Zelenskyy said.
At Least 6 Dead, 15 Injured Including Child
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that at least 15 people were injured in the incident. “Ten were rushed to hospital, including a child,” Klitschko said. He added that most of the fatalities occurred on the street, while one injured woman later died in hospital.
The death toll stands at six as of Saturday evening. Officials have not ruled out the number rising as some victims remain in critical condition.
Attacker Identified As 58-Year-Old From Moscow
Investigators identified the attacker as a 58-year-old man originally from Moscow. Reports indicate he used a legally registered automatic weapon. Officials are now probing how the firearm was issued and the circumstances surrounding the attack.
His motive remains unknown. No group has claimed responsibility.
A fire was also reported in the suspect’s apartment during the chaos. Conflicting accounts suggest it may have been caused by an explosive device or the attacker himself. Authorities are investigating.
Rare Mass Shooting Shocks Wartime Kyiv
While Kyiv has faced repeated attacks amid the ongoing war with Russia, incidents involving mass shootings and hostage situations inside the city remain rare. Saturday’s horror in Kyiv was especially shocking for residents already living under wartime pressure.
Security has been tightened across the capital. Police cordoned off the supermarket and surrounding streets. Forensic teams were on site through Saturday evening.
The Interior Ministry said a full investigation is underway. It will cover the suspect’s background, mental state, weapon licensing, and how he evaded detection before the attack.
Ukraine’s Security Service is also involved due to the attacker’s Moscow origin and the use of an automatic weapon.
