At least five people have been killed and several others injured following a shooting attack in the Holosiivskyi district of Kyiv, where an armed individual opened fire on pedestrians before barricading themselves inside a supermarket and taking hostages.
According to authorities, after a large-scale operation, Ukrainian special police forces intervened to neutralize the perpetrator. Interior Minister Ihor Klimenko confirmed that the forces entered the store premises and the attacker was killed during the exchange of fire.
Earlier, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko had stated that initially at least two fatalities and around ten injuries were reported, including a child. The injured were transported to city hospitals, while some received first aid on-site.
During the operation, the perpetrator also fired at law enforcement officers, after attempts at negotiations had been made. Reports indicate that the individual had taken hostages inside the supermarket, causing panic in the area.
Local media report that prior to the attack, the perpetrator had set fire to the apartment where they lived, and a security guard was injured during the incident.
The event has reignited concerns about security in the country, with authorities also recalling a recent incident in Odesa, where an armed individual opened fire on pedestrians without causing casualties.