The devastating terrorist attack that occurred in Kyiv’s Holosiivskyi district on April 18 has claimed the life of Igor Savchenko, a guitarist for the Ukrainian folk-rock band “Druhe Sontse” (Second Sun). The heartbreaking news was announced by the band’s vocalist, Maryna Oholenko, in an emotional post on Facebook. According to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the shooter, identified as Dmytro Vasylchenkov, opened fire on pedestrians before taking hostages in a local supermarket, where he was eventually neutralized by the KORD special operations police unit.
The tragic incident unfolded on Saturday evening when 58-year-old Vasylchenkov, a Moscow-born man who had lived in Bakhmut and Kyiv, set his apartment on fire and took to the streets of the Demiyivka neighborhood. Armed with a legally registered KelTec SUB-2000 semi-automatic carbine, the assailant began shooting indiscriminately at passersby at close range. He then stormed the “Velmart” supermarket in a nearby shopping center, barricading himself inside with multiple hostages. After negotiations failed, KORD commandos stormed the building, eliminating the attacker. The death toll from the shooting has risen to seven, including the shooter, with at least 14 others sustaining injuries.
Among those senselessly murdered was Igor Savchenko, a devoted family man and a passionate musician. The indie and folk-rock band “Druhe Sontse,” formed in 2009, was known for its unique blend of overdrive guitars, flute, violin, and authentic Ukrainian motifs. “During the terrorist attack, Igor Savchenko died. My friend, my faithful brother-in-arms, the musician of our band,” wrote Oholenko, noting that they had been playing music together since 2010. She described Savchenko as a “true rocker” who never gave up and remained a steadfast supporter of his friends and family, even in the darkest times. He leaves behind his wife, Tetiana, and daughter, Anna.
The attack has sparked outrage and profound grief across the Ukrainian capital. Investigations have revealed that Vasylchenkov had a history of violent behavior, including a 2024 conviction for an altercation in another supermarket. The fact that he was permitted to legally own multiple firearms has prompted urgent calls for a comprehensive review of the country’s gun control and psychological screening regulations. Furthermore, the tragedy exposed severe operational failures within the initial police response; public outrage erupted after reports surfaced that the first patrol officers on the scene fled after hearing the initial gunshots. This dereliction of duty has already led to high-level resignations within the National Police.
As the authorities continue their investigation into the exact motives behind the rampage, the cultural community mourns the loss of a talented artist. Igor Savchenko’s death is not only a tragedy for his loved ones but a deep blow to Ukraine’s vibrant music scene, standing as a grim reminder of the urgent need for enhanced public security measures.