Kyiv shooter was former Ukrainian military serviceman, police reveal new details

That is according to Chief of the National Police of Ukraine Ivan Vyhivskyi who spoke at a briefing on Sunday, Ukrinform reports.

"He is a native of Moscow, but he served in the Ukrainian Armed Forces from 1992 […] mainly in Odesa, in the Odesa district, in automotive troops. And he retired in 2005, in fact. After that, he traveled to Russia, and as we understand, he returned [to Ukraine] in 2017," Vyhivskyi said.

Law enforcement officials also reviewed the suspect's social media activity. "It's hard to say he held a pro-Ukrainian position – it appears to have leaned in a different direction," Vyhivskyi said.

Neighbors described the man as a reserved individual.

"And yesterday, Telegram channels published information that he had been held administratively liable for causing minor bodily injuries. However, in court, according to the law, he reconciled. And this is a basis for the court to close such a criminal proceeding. And they [closed proceedings] … are not grounds for revoking his firearm license," Vyhivskyi added.

Police said the suspect had a history of conflicts with neighbors, though these disputes were described as situational rather than long-standing. "He had disputes with different neighbors," Vyhivskyi said.

Investigators are currently examining his medical records, including a health certificate (form 127-0) confirming his mental condition, issued on December 15, 2025. This document was used to extend his firearm permit.

Vyhivskyi added that the weapon had initially been flagged because the owner failed to renew the permit on time. However, he later appeared with the required documents and legally extended it. Authorities are now investigating who issued the medical certificate.

According to preliminary data, it took the attacker less than ten minutes to move from leaving his home with the weapon to entering the supermarket where the hostage situation unfolded.

"Negotiators tried to engage with him inside the store to secure his surrender. After that, special police units acted quickly," Vyhivskyi said, referring to the KORD unit that ultimately neutralized the attacker.

As previously reported, the gunman opened fire on civilians in Kyiv's Holosiivskyi district, later taking hostages and shooting at police during the standoff. He was eventually killed by law enforcement.

Six people were reported dead and 14 injured. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that eight of the wounded remain hospitalized.

The Security Service of Ukraine has classified the incident as a terrorist attack. The pre-trial investigation is ongoing.

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