By Our Correspondent

National News – A deadly shooting and hostage-taking incident in Kyiv’s Holosiivskyi district has left at least six people dead and several others injured after a gunman opened fire on civilians before barricading himself inside a supermarket.

Ukrainian authorities said the suspect, a 58-year-old man reportedly linked to Moscow and previously living in eastern Donetsk, used an automatic weapon during the attack.

The violent episode triggered a major police response, with negotiators attempting to de-escalate the situation for around 40 minutes before a shootout ensued, ending in the gunman’s death.

President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that 14 people were injured, including a 12-year-old boy, while four victims were killed on the street and another died later in hospital, bringing total fatalities to at least six.

The attack took place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, during the ongoing war with Russia.

Police said the suspect fired randomly in a public area before taking hostages inside a supermarket in the Holosiivskyi district.

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko stated that negotiators spoke with the attacker for about 40 minutes, but after he killed a hostage, authorities ordered a tactical intervention that resulted in his death.

Officials are still investigating the motive, as the gunman reportedly made no demands.

Authorities also revealed the weapon was legally registered, raising questions about how it was obtained.

The shooter is said to have set fire to his apartment before carrying out the attack.

This incident highlights growing security concerns in Kyiv, where sporadic violent episodes occur despite ongoing conflict-related airstrikes rather than street-level mass shootings.

Emergency services responded quickly, freeing four hostages during the operation.

Officials continue to assess how a legally registered firearm was used in the attack and whether prior warning signs were missed.

The case underscores challenges faced by Ukrainian authorities in balancing wartime security with civilian safety in urban districts like Holosiivskyi.

Investigations remain ongoing as officials seek to establish motive, background influences, and the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s final movements before the attack.