Ukrainian authorities have confirmed the arrest of a suspect in connection with the fatal shooting of prominent politician Andriy Parubiy, who was killed in Lviv on Saturday by an attacker disguised as a courier. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the development, praising law enforcement for their swift response.
Parubiy, 54, a former speaker of Ukraine’s parliament and a leading figure in the 2013–14 Euromaidan protests, was gunned down in broad daylight. The attacker reportedly approached him on the street dressed as a delivery worker, before firing multiple rounds. Local police said the assailant discharged about eight shots.
The suspect was apprehended in the western Khmelnytskyi region after an intensive manhunt. Interior Minister Igor Klymenko revealed that initial findings suggest the killing was meticulously planned, with the attacker tracking Parubiy’s travel schedule and plotting an escape route. Ukraine’s national police are expected to release more details as investigations continue.
Unverified video circulating on social media appears to show the gunman trailing Parubiy, weapon drawn, moments before the attack. Sources within Ukraine’s law enforcement told the BBC that the perpetrator posed as an employee of Glovo, a popular delivery service. In response, the company said it was “deeply shocked” by the incident and pledged full cooperation with authorities.
In a late-night address, President Zelensky confirmed that the detained suspect has already given an initial testimony. “Urgent investigative actions are currently underway to establish all the circumstances of this murder,” he said, adding his gratitude to prosecutors and police for their “around-the-clock” efforts.
Parubiy played a pivotal role in Ukraine’s modern political history. Rising to prominence during the Euromaidan protests, he organized the “self-defense” groups that protected demonstrators against crackdowns by pro-Russian authorities. His leadership during the movement helped pave the way for the ousting of former President Viktor Yanukovych in 2014. From April 2016 to August 2019, Parubiy served as Speaker of Parliament, shaping key policies during a critical period of Ukraine’s struggle against Russian aggression.
The assassination has sent shockwaves across Ukraine, highlighting ongoing security challenges even as the nation remains embroiled in war. Authorities have vowed to uncover the full motive behind the attack.
