A deadly shooting and hostage crisis has rocked Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, after a gunman opened fire on civilians and later barricaded himself inside a supermarket, leaving at least five people dead.
The attack took place in the Holosiivskyi district, where the suspect reportedly began shooting randomly on the street, killing several people before forcing his way into a nearby supermarket and taking hostages.
Ukrainian authorities say special police units were deployed after negotiations with the gunman failed. The operation ended when officers stormed the building and fatally shot the attacker.
Interior Minister, Ihor Klymenko, confirmed that the suspect held several people hostage during the standoff and also opened fire on a police officer.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said five people were confirmed dead, while 10 others were taken to hospital with injuries. He also noted that four hostages were rescued alive.
Emergency responders evacuated the injured to nearby hospitals as security forces, including the National Police and the Security Service of Ukraine, cordoned off the area and launched a full investigation.
Officials said negotiators had attempted to de-escalate the situation for several minutes before tactical units moved in to end the siege.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the attacker, and the motive behind the assault remains unclear.
Kyiv Mayor, Vitali Klitschko, earlier confirmed that the situation escalated rapidly from a street shooting into a full hostage crisis inside the supermarket.
