A high-ranking Ukrainian intelligence officer was assassinated in a brazen daylight attack in Kyiv, with suspicions pointing towards Russian involvement. The incident occurred on Thursday when Col. Ivan Voronych of the Security Service of Ukraine was shot multiple times by an unidentified assailant. The attack took place around 9 a.m. local time in the Holosiivskyi district, as Voronych was approached by the gunman who fired five shots before fleeing the scene.

A video capturing the ambush shows a man being attacked while walking towards a vehicle outside an apartment complex. The Ukrainian authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the murder, with both the Security Service and the National Police actively working to uncover all details surrounding the crime and apprehend those responsible.

Col. Voronych, who succumbed to his injuries at the scene, was a key figure within Ukraine’s security apparatus, leading a division focused on high-level special operations and counter-terrorism efforts. His assassination has sent shockwaves through the intelligence community, with former Ukrainian intelligence officer Roman Chervinsky describing the attack as a calculated move by an “enemy killer.”

The incident has further strained relations between Ukraine and Russia, with former Ukrainian parliament member Ihar Mosiychuk attributing the hit to Russian special services. The Kyiv Police have confirmed that they are actively investigating the circumstances of the shooting and are working to identify and detain the perpetrator.

This assassination underscores the ongoing tensions and security challenges faced by Ukraine amidst its geopolitical struggles. The international community is closely monitoring developments as Ukraine seeks justice for this targeted killing.