Ukrainian tennis player and military serviceman Oleksandr Dolhopolov has called for the right to self-defense for citizens in light of a recent shooting incident in Kyiv that resulted in multiple fatalities.
On April 18, a 58-year-old man opened fire on pedestrians in the Holosiivskyi district before taking hostages at a “Velmart” supermarket. The tragic event led to the deaths of six individuals. In response, Dolhopolov expressed his views on social media, suggesting that if victims had been allowed to defend themselves, the outcome might have been different.
“Given the amount of weaponry circulating, it’s time to grant every mentally sound person the right to protect themselves,” he stated in an Instagram story.
The discussion surrounding gun ownership has intensified in Ukraine since the onset of the full-scale war, with proposals emerging to ease restrictions on firearm purchases. Advocates argue that individuals who undergo proper training should be permitted to acquire handguns.
In related developments, the head of the National Police, Ivan Vihivskyi, revealed during a briefing that the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute between neighbors. The shooter, Dmytro Vasylenkov, initially fired at a neighbor before retreating to his home, where he armed himself further and set his apartment ablaze.
Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko has ordered an internal investigation into the police response during the incident, emphasizing the need for transparency. He stated that the findings would be shared with the State Bureau of Investigations.
Footage circulating online has shown police officers fleeing the scene, raising concerns about public safety and law enforcement’s ability to protect citizens during such crises.
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Following a deadly shooting in Kyiv, Oleksandr Dolhopolov has urged for the right to self-defense for citizens, arguing it could prevent future tragedies. The incident has reignited discussions on gun ownership laws in Ukraine.