LVIV, Ukraine — Former Ukrainian parliament speaker Andriy Parubiy was shot lifeless within the western metropolis of Lviv on Saturday, authorities stated, in an assault that has triggered an enormous manhunt for the gunman.
Unverified footage circulating on-line appeared to indicate a person disguised as a courier approaching Parubiy on the road, drawing a weapon from a yellow supply bag, and opening hearth earlier than fleeing on an e-bike.
Ukrainian prosecutors stated Parubiy, 54, was struck a number of occasions and died on the scene. Seven shell casings have been recovered, legislation enforcement officers informed the BBC.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the killing as a “horrible homicide” and expressed condolences to Parubiy’s household.
A particular police operation, codenamed Siren, has been launched to trace down and arrest the suspect.
“All obligatory forces and means are being deployed,” Zelenskyy stated in an announcement.
Parubiy was a pivotal determine in Ukraine’s 2013–2014 Euromaidan protests, organizing the motion’s self-defense brigades throughout mass demonstrations that toppled pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych.
He later served as secretary of Ukraine’s Nationwide Safety and Protection Council on the onset of the Russia-backed separatist conflict in japanese Ukraine and through Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
After Yanukovych’s ouster, Parubiy rose by means of politics and was elected speaker of parliament in 2016, a put up he held till 2019.
In 2022, he joined territorial protection forces whereas persevering with to function a lawmaker.
Tributes poured in following his dying. Overseas Minister Andrii Sybiha referred to as Parubiy “a patriot and statesman who made an unlimited contribution to Ukraine’s freedom, independence, and sovereignty.”
Former President Petro Poroshenko described him as “an excellent man and a real pal,” including that his assassination was “a shot fired on the coronary heart of Ukraine.”
Authorities stated the investigation is ongoing. — BBC
