New details have emerged regarding the terrorist attack that occurred in the Holosiivskyi district of Kyiv on April 18, 2026. Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko revealed that the violence, which resulted in multiple casualties, was triggered by a long-standing domestic dispute between neighbors.
Domestic Conflict and the Trigger
The perpetrator, identified as Dmitry Vasilchenkov, resided on the fifth floor of an apartment building. According to Minister Klymenko, Vasilchenkov had been engaged in a conflict for some time with a neighbor living on the sixth floor.
The tension peaked on the day of the attack during another confrontation. The Minister noted that the neighbor referred to Vasilchenkov as “director,” a term that reportedly irritated the attacker and contributed to the escalation of the event.
Timeline of the Assault
Investigation reveals that Vasilchenkov first fired a traumatic weapon near the building’s entrance. He then returned to his apartment, retrieved a carbine, and set his own residence on fire before heading back out to the street.
The violence expanded beyond the residential area to the “Velmart” supermarket in the TC “Demeevsky” center. The attack resulted in eight deaths, including the perpetrator, and left between 10 and 15 people wounded. Four hostages were taken during the supermarket siege but were successfully rescued following negotiations.
The Role of Digital Evidence
Following the neutralization of the attacker, authorities recovered his phone. The device contained audio recordings of the entire event, though Minister Klymenko described the recordings as a confusing set of words and mutterings that are difficult to interpret.
Despite the fragmented nature of the audio, the recordings allowed law enforcement to reconstruct the sequence of events and the interactions between Vasilchenkov and his victims in the moments leading up to the shooting.
Scrutiny of Weapon Licensing
A critical point of the investigation is how Vasilchenkov maintained his legal right to possess firearms. He had obtained a medical certificate to extend his weapon permit from a private clinic in December 2025.
Minister Klymenko stated that while the certificate itself is genuine, there are significant doubts regarding whether a full medical examination was actually conducted. All documents from the clinic have been seized as part of the criminal proceedings.
Moving forward, authorities may increase scrutiny of private medical entities that issue health certificates for firearm permits. This could lead to a possible overhaul of how such certifications are verified to prevent similar tragedies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the perpetrator of the Kyiv attack?
The attacker was Dmitry Vasilchenkov, a man born in 1968.
What caused the attack to begin?
The attack began due to a domestic conflict between the perpetrator, who lived on the 5th floor, and a neighbor on the 6th floor who referred to him as “director.”
How did investigators reconstruct the events?
Investigators used audio recordings found on the attacker’s phone, which he used to record his actions throughout the event.
Do you believe stricter regulations on private medical certifications for firearm permits could prevent such incidents?
