Ukraine links disguised gunman in politician's assassination to Russia

Kyiv Links Russia to Assassination of Pro-Western Ukrainian Politician

Ukrainian officials in Kyiv have connected Russia to the assassination of Andriy Parubiy, a prominent pro-Western Ukrainian politician. Parubiy, a key figure in Ukraine's pro-European movements, was shot dead in Lviv on Saturday. The suspect, disguised as a courier, shot Parubiy eight times in broad daylight before fleeing.

National police chief Ivan Vygivsky stated on social media that there is a Russian connection to the crime. The suspect was arrested in the Khmelnytsky region of western Ukraine. Sources revealed that the attacker posed as a worker from delivery company Glovo. The company expressed shock over the incident and pledged full cooperation with the investigation.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that the killing was meticulously planned. Interior Minister Igor Klymenko and security service chief Vasyl Maliuk informed Zelenskyy about the arrest. Zelenskyy mentioned that the suspect had provided initial testimony.

Parubiy, known for his advocacy for Ukrainian independence and language, survived an assassination attempt in 2014 during the Maidan protests. He had previously served on the National Security and Defense Council after the ousting of Ukraine's pro-Kremlin leadership in 2014.

The assassination of Parubiy follows a recent attack on Colonel Ivan Voronych in Kyiv, where two Russian agents suspected of the murder were killed by Ukraine's security agency. Relations between Ukraine and Russia have been tense since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.