Ukraine: Gunman kills 5 after taking hostages in Kyiv supermarket; shot dead by police

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his condolences for the victim as he updated that four hostages were rescued and the victims were receiving necessary assistance.“Ukraine’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Ihor Klymenko, has just reported that the attacker in Kyiv who opened fire on civilians has been eliminated. All the circumstances are being established. At present, 5 people have been confirmed killed. My condolences to the families and loved ones. Ten people are currently hospitalised with injuries and trauma. All are receiving the necessary assistance. Four hostages have been rescued,” he wrote.He further assured a thorough investigation into the matter and said that all the concerned authorities are working to look into the matter. He said, “We expect a swift investigation. Investigators of the National Police and the Security Service of Ukraine are working. I have instructed the Minister of Internal Affairs and the Head of the National Police of Ukraine to make all verified information in this case available to the public.” Kyiv mayor, ⁠Vitali Klitschko, in a Telegram broadcast, further confirmed the death of the gunman during the arrest as he wrote, “A ​special ​operation is proceeding ⁠to detain the man ​who started the shooting ​and is currently inside a supermarket. According to medical personnel, two ​people ​have ⁠died so far in Holosiivskyi district.”Ukrainian minister Klymenko also elaborated about the gunman situation in his statement, as he said that special tactical police units stormed the store after attempts to contact the gunman with a negotiator failed. Speaking to the reporters outside the supermarket, the minister said that negotiations with the gunman lasted for roughly 40 minutes.“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.”He further added that the gunman was also carrying a carbine, which was legally registered.“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.He added that the investigation will determine which medical institution issued the certificate. Televised footage of the scene showed police taking cover in the shopping mall that housed the supermarket while shots were fired. Bystanders were escorted away from the scene.