Gunman Kills Six in Kyiv Before Being Shot Dead by Police

On April 18, 2026, a 58-year-old man opened fire in Kyiv's Holosiivskyi district, resulting in six deaths and multiple injuries. The assailant, identified as Dmytro Vasylchenkov, was born in Moscow and held Ukrainian citizenship.

The incident began when Vasylchenkov set fire to his apartment before taking to the streets with an automatic weapon. He shot four people outside an apartment block and shopping center before entering a supermarket, where he took hostages.

Special tactical police units attempted to negotiate with the gunman for approximately 40 minutes without success. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko stated that the assailant did not respond to offers of assistance for potential wounded individuals inside. Consequently, authorities ordered the storming of the supermarket, during which Vasylchenkov was killed after opening fire on police officers.

In total, six people were killed, including one hostage inside the supermarket. At least 14 others were injured and hospitalized, among them a child. Four hostages were rescued during the police operation.

The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) is investigating the attack as an act of terrorism. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed condolences to the victims' families and emphasized the need for a swift investigation.

Authorities confirmed that Vasylchenkov used a legally registered weapon during the attack. He had renewed his firearms permit in December 2025, providing a valid medical certificate at that time.