Kyiv Terror Attack: KORD Unit Kills Gunman as Police Face Probe for Inaction

Terrorist Attack Strikes Kyiv's Holosiivskyi District

According to Главком: A terrorist attack occurred in Kyiv's Holosiivskyi district on April 18, 2026. A 58-year-old native of Moscow opened fire on the street before barricading himself inside a supermarket with hostages. The assault resulted in the deaths of six people, with a further 16 wounded. The special forces unit KORD ultimately neutralized the attacker. In the aftermath, the National Police have initiated both an internal investigation and a criminal proceeding into the alleged inaction of police officers who first responded to the scene.

The assailant, armed with a pistol and a rifle, began shooting before taking hostages in the supermarket. Concurrently, a fire broke out in the apartment where he was registered. Five people were killed at the scene, and a sixth victim, a woman, later died in the hospital. Ten casualties were transported to hospitals for treatment, while six others received medical aid on-site. As of midday on April 19, eight wounded individuals remained hospitalized, including one child in stable but serious condition. Among the hospitalized adults, one was in extremely critical condition, three were in serious condition, and three were in moderately serious condition.

Law Enforcement Response and Scrutiny

The Kyiv City Prosecutor arrived promptly at the scene. The National Police launched an official inquiry into the conduct of officers during the attack, suspending two policemen from duty pending the review. A criminal case has been opened regarding the alleged failure of these officers to properly perform their duties. Video footage circulated online appears to show two police officers failing to take action to subdue the gunman; the officers reportedly left the area immediately after the initial shots were fired. This incident highlights ongoing challenges in Ukraine's security apparatus as the nation continues to face threats.

Valentyna, a local resident, recalled shouting from her window: 'Stop! That's enough!'. She added, 'But he didn't react to anything. He was just killing people like a zombie, like a beast.'

The tragedy has provoked widespread public outcry and raised serious questions about the preparedness of law enforcement to respond to such acute threats.

This event has sparked a national debate on public safety and police effectiveness in Ukraine. The dismissal or punishment of officers found responsible for inaction could be a crucial step in restoring public trust in the police force. Such tragedies underscore the urgent need to improve emergency response systems and enhance security force training for counter-terrorism operations.

As the investigation unfolds, the circumstances surrounding the police response are under intense scrutiny. For a more detailed account of the tragic events that led to the siege and the subsequent actions taken by law enforcement, read about the fatalities in the supermarket attack and the implications of the police's actions during this crisis.