3 min readUpdated: Apr 18, 2026 10:09 PM IST
A gunman killed at least six people on the streets of Kyiv on Saturday before taking hostages inside a nearby supermarket, in one of the deadliest urban shootings in the Ukrainian capital in recent months. The attacker was later shot dead by police after a tense standoff.
What happened in Kyiv’s Holosiivskyi district
The shooting unfolded in the Holosiivskyi District, a busy residential and commercial area. According to officials, the attacker first opened fire on civilians in the street before entering a supermarket located inside a shopping complex.
Ukraine’s Interior Ministry confirmed that special tactical police units were deployed to the scene after reports of hostages inside the store.
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said authorities attempted to establish communication with the attacker before launching an operation.
Hostage situation and police operation
Klymenko said police negotiators engaged with the gunman for around 40 minutes, attempting to defuse the situation and secure the release of any injured victims.
“We tried to persuade him, knowing that there was likely a wounded person inside. We even offered to bring in tourniquets to stop the bleeding, but he did not respond,” Klymenko said. “Consequently, the order was given to neutralise him.”
After negotiations failed, special forces stormed the supermarket. The attacker was shot dead while resisting arrest.
Story continues below this ad
Televised footage from the scene showed heavily armed police taking cover inside the mall complex as gunfire echoed. Civilians were seen being escorted away to safety.
Death toll and victims
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at least five people were killed in the attack, while city officials later confirmed a sixth fatality.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the sixth victim, a young woman, succumbed to her injuries in the hospital.
Klymenko provided a breakdown of the casualties, stating that the attacker killed four people on the street before entering the supermarket and killing another victim inside.
Story continues below this ad
Weapon details and investigation underway
Authorities revealed that the attacker was carrying a carbine that was legally registered, raising questions about firearm licensing and oversight.
“Furthermore, in December of last year, 2025, he approached the licensing authorities to have the weapon test-fired as the permit was expiring. He provided a medical certificate. He had also submitted an application to renew his permit for the weapon. That is all we can say for now,” Klymenko said.
Officials added that investigators will examine the process through which the medical certificate was issued, including identifying the institution involved.
Security response and ongoing probe
Law enforcement agencies have launched a full-scale investigation into the motive behind the attack, the attacker’s background, and potential lapses in monitoring licensed weapons.
Story continues below this ad
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the attacker.
(With inputs from AP)
Stay updated with the latest – Click here to follow us on Instagram
© Heraldsun
