Honoring the Memory of Oleksandr Perha
A petition has been submitted to the Kyiv City Council website seeking to commemorate Oleksandr Hryhorovych Perha, who died in the terror attack on April 18, 2026. Perha, a janitor by profession, used his own body to shield a 12-year-old boy from gunfire, saving the child’s life. The tragedy occurred on Demiivska Street, where a shooter opened fire on a crowd, killing six people. The child Perha rescued survived the horrific event but lost both parents and an aunt.
Petition No. 14198
Petition No. 14198, aimed at honoring Oleksandr Perha’s memory, proposes the following actions:
- Install a sculpture or commemorative plaque at the site of the tragedy;
- Posthumously award him an honorary distinction from the city of Kyiv;
- Hold an official city-level ceremony to recognize his heroic deed.
Signature collection started on April 23, 2026. As of the time of this report, 106 Kyiv residents have backed the petition, which requires 6,000 votes within 60 days to be formally considered.
During the attack, a 58-year-old native of Moscow first argued with a neighbor and shot him with a traumatic pistol. He then barricaded himself inside a supermarket, taking hostages, while a fire broke out in the apartment where he was registered. The assailant was neutralized during a raid by the KORD special unit. Doctors fought for Oleksandr Perha’s life for an entire day, but his heart ultimately stopped.
In the wake of the incident, Police General Yevhenii Zhukov resigned as head of the Patrol Police Department. The resignation came after a scandal involving patrol officers who fled the scene. The National Police launched an internal investigation into the officers’ conduct, and two patrolmen have been suspended from duty pending the review. A criminal case has been opened for dereliction of duty by police personnel.
His act is a testament to courage, humanity, and self-sacrifice. In a moment of deadly peril, he protected a child, giving his own life. — from the text of Petition No. 14198
The city of Kyiv plans to honor Oleksandr Perha’s memory at the municipal level, underscoring the significance of his heroic action during an emergency.
This tragedy represents not only a personal loss for the victims’ families but also a challenge to society and law enforcement. The police general’s resignation highlights the serious consequences facing the security system and the urgent need for greater accountability among officers. The petition to commemorate Oleksandr Perha reflects a collective desire to recognize the heroism that emerged in the most critical moments, serving as a vital step in the community’s healing process after such devastating events.
In light of the recent tragedy, the city of Kyiv continues to honor its heroes. Following the unveiling of a memorial plaque for fallen soldier Volodymyr Pyrohov, discussions surrounding public memorials have gained momentum. This reflects a growing recognition of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the face of violence, emphasizing the importance of commemorating acts of bravery like that of Oleksandr Perha.