Kyiv Attack: Details on the Gunman and Police Investigation Emerge

Details on the Kyiv Shooter

According to Главком: The gunman responsible for killing six people in Kyiv has been identified as 58-year-old Dmytro Vasylchenko, who was born in Moscow. Vasylchenko served in Ukraine's automotive troops from 1992 until his retirement in 2005. After retiring, he traveled to Russia but returned in 2017, residing in Bakhmut. He obtained a firearms permit in 2025, receiving the required medical certificate on December 15, 2025. This incident has raised serious questions about Ukraine's firearm licensing procedures, particularly for individuals with a complex background.

Attack in the Holosiivskyi District

The terrorist attack occurred on April 18 in Kyiv's Holosiivskyi district. During the assault, Vasylchenko opened fire, barricaded himself inside a supermarket, and took hostages. Simultaneously, a fire broke out in the apartment where the attacker was registered. The KORD special forces unit neutralized the gunman. His actions resulted in the deaths of six people.

The National Police has launched an internal investigation into police conduct during the attack. This follows the online circulation of a video showing two police officers leaving the scene after the initial shots were fired. The two patrol officers have been suspended pending the inquiry, and criminal proceedings have been initiated for their alleged failure to perform official duties.

Police General Yevhenii Zhukov has resigned from his position as head of the Patrol Police Department. Commenting on the situation, expert Ivan Vyhivskyi noted that:

“His social media pages were reviewed, and his views were negative. It cannot be said that he held a pro-Ukrainian position.”

Ivan Vyhivskyi

He added: “We are currently examining the medical documentation. To obtain a permit, one needs the Ministry of Health form 127-O to confirm mental state and that the person does not use drugs.”

Vyhivskyi emphasized that “we will investigate this medical institution and who issued this certificate. It is clear from his behavior that he had mental disorders at that very moment.”

This tragedy has cast doubt on the effectiveness of Ukraine's firearm control system, specifically the mental health checks for individuals obtaining gun permits. The public expects swift and transparent investigation results, as well as potential legislative changes regarding firearm circulation to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The tragic events in Kyiv have not only raised concerns about the police's response but also highlighted the broader implications of gun ownership laws in Ukraine. For a deeper understanding of the shooter and the victims involved in this devastating incident, you can read more about the details surrounding the attack and its aftermath in our comprehensive report on the supermarket shooting.