A devastating tragedy struck the capital on Saturday, April 18, as new horrific details of the mass shooting in the Holosiivskyi district emerged. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed critical investigation updates regarding the terrorist responsible for the bloodbath. According to official reports confirmed by the National Police of Ukraine and the Office of the Prosecutor General, the shooter, who claimed the lives of six innocent people, had a prior criminal record. Law enforcement agencies are currently pursuing multiple theories regarding the motives behind this brutal and senseless crime.
“Investigators from the National Police and the Security Service of Ukraine are actively investigating all the circumstances of this horrific attack on ordinary people. The attacker was neutralized. He held hostages and, unfortunately, killed one of them. He shot four people dead right on the street. Another woman later died in the hospital from severe injuries. My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims,” the Head of State said in his video address.
Timeline of the Tragedy
According to the President, special forces successfully rescued four hostages during the intense operation. At present, 14 people are confirmed to have been injured, including a 12-year-old boy. However, medical professionals warn that this number could rise, as individuals experiencing severe psychological shock continue to seek medical assistance.
The events unfolded rapidly and chaotically. Before stepping out onto the street armed with an automatic weapon, the assailant deliberately set his own apartment on fire. This action is believed to be a diversionary tactic or an attempt to destroy evidence. He then proceeded to open fire randomly at passersby on the street. The rampage culminated when he stormed into the “Velmart” supermarket on Holosiivskyi Avenue, barricaded himself inside, and took terrified shoppers and staff as hostages. After prolonged and ultimately unsuccessful negotiations, the KORD special forces unit launched a decisive tactical assault and liquidated the shooter.
Who Was the Attacker?
The Office of the Prosecutor General has confirmed the identity of the assailant. He was 58-year-old Dmitry Vasilievich Vasilchenkov, born on April 21, 1968, in Moscow, Russia. Despite his birthplace, he held Ukrainian citizenship. Records indicate that he had previously lived in Bakhmut, Donetsk region, for an extended period before eventually relocating to the Holosiivskyi district of Kyiv.
President Zelenskyy emphasized that investigators are scrutinizing every aspect of the shooter’s life. “We are currently finding out everything that can be known about him and why he committed such a horrific act. Every single detail must be checked. Investigators are working on several versions. All his electronic devices, phone, and contacts will be thoroughly examined. The Minister of Internal Affairs, the Security Service of Ukraine, and the Prosecutor General will keep the public informed. All verified information must be provided to our people,” the President assured.
Security Concerns
This unprecedented act of violence has raised serious concerns about public safety and the proliferation of illegal firearms. The authorities have vowed to implement stricter security measures across the capital to prevent similar tragedies in the future, while psychological support is being provided to the survivors and witnesses of the attack.