April 18th Attack in Kyiv
A terrorist attack occurred in Kyiv's Holosiivskyi district on April 18, resulting in the deaths of six people and injuries to sixteen others. The assailant, a 58-year-old native of Moscow, opened fire on civilians before barricading himself inside a supermarket and taking hostages. Concurrently, a fire broke out in the apartment where the attacker was registered. The KORD special forces unit neutralized the shooter during the subsequent assault.
Five individuals died at the scene, and one woman later succumbed to her injuries in the hospital. Ten people were hospitalized with wounds, while six others received medical treatment on-site. As of midday on April 19, eight injured individuals remained hospitalized. Among them is one child, who is in stable but serious condition. Of the adult patients, one is in extremely critical condition, three are in serious condition, and three are in moderate condition.
Investigation and Safety Advice
The National Police of Ukraine has launched an internal investigation into the conduct of police officers during the attack. Two officers have been suspended from duty pending the review. A criminal case has been initiated regarding the alleged failure of police personnel to properly perform their duties. A video has surfaced online purportedly showing the inaction of two police officers at the scene.
Security expert Denys Mykhaltchenko offered advice on how to behave during an attack: 'The shooter was targeting everyone in sight. In such a situation on the street, any structure or object can help you: a dumpster, a curb, a tree, or a car. If you manage to hide in time and the attacker doesn't spot you, you are significantly safer. The main goal is to get out of his line of sight as quickly as possible.'
He also emphasized that 'many people think, 'If there's shooting, I should look to see where it's coming from. I should go there and record it on my phone.' But doing this is extremely dangerous. If you hear gunfire, you must move in the opposite direction from the sound of the shots.'
The Kyiv City State Administration has corrected initial reports, stating that the deceased relative of a 12-year-old boy was his aunt, not his mother. This tragic incident has caused significant public outcry, and further details of the investigation are still awaited.
This attack represents a severe test for Ukraine's law enforcement agencies, which now face criticism over their response to the threat. The police investigation could lead to changes in security protocols and improvements in service training. The events in the Holosiivskyi district underscore the critical importance of public preparedness for emergencies and the need for greater awareness of safety procedures during dangerous situations. The incident highlights the complex security challenges Ukraine continues to face amidst the ongoing war with Russia.
As the investigation into the police response continues, it is crucial for the public to understand the implications of their actions during such critical incidents. For a deeper insight into the ongoing inquiry regarding police conduct during this tragic event, you can read more about the Ukrainian Interior Ministry's examination of law enforcement actions.