Deadly Attack in Kyiv's Holosiivskyi District
A tragic incident unfolded on April 18, 2026, in the Holosiivskyi district of Kyiv when 58-year-old Moscow native Dmytro Vasylchenkov opened fire inside a Velmart supermarket and took hostages. The attack claimed the life of 22-year-old Vladyslav Zhydkov, a 2018 graduate of Smila School who worked at the store. Vasylchenkov was neutralized by a KORD special forces unit during a tactical assault.
The gunman barricaded himself inside the supermarket, and the assault also sparked a fire in the apartment where he was registered. Kyiv's city prosecutor arrived at the scene. During the incident, two police officers failed to take necessary action to stop the attacker and fled the location after the first shots were fired.
Remembering Vladyslav Zhydkov
Vladyslav Zhydkov is remembered warmly by those who knew him. Liudmyla Khyshkina, deputy principal for educational work at Smila Secondary School No. 11, shared her grief:
“We remember Vlad as a diligent student, always friendly, kind, and sociable. He was full of energy and big hopes for the future, which, unfortunately, were cut short so suddenly and tragically.”
Another teacher, Olha Orlova, also shared her memories: 'I taught him; I remember Vlad well—a kind and sincere boy! It wasn't long ago that we saw each other...' Alla Safronova, an acquaintance of the deceased, added: 'How I loved this child—bright, kind, he grew up before my eyes… it's impossible to comprehend, a terrible loss…'
In the wake of these events, the head of the Patrol Police Department, Yevhenii Zhukov, submitted his resignation. This decision followed a scandal over the police's failure to intervene during the terrorist attack. Commenting on the situation, Oleh Mytsyk noted: 'The police response during the capital's terrorist attack on April 18, 2026, exposed a deep flaw in Ukrainian legislation: law enforcement officers often hesitate to use their weapons due to fear of ending up behind bars.'
This tragedy has dealt a heavy blow to the community and highlighted the urgent need for reforms in Ukraine's law enforcement system. The incident not only sparked outrage over police inaction but also ignited discussions about public safety and the adequacy of emergency response protocols. The loss of a young life has become a catalyst for societal debates on legislative changes that could prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As the investigation into the tragic events continues, understanding the background of the shooter and the victims becomes crucial. For more insights into the identities and circumstances surrounding this devastating incident, you can read our detailed report on the attacker and the victims.