Volodymyr Zelensky issues major update after top Ukrainian politician shot dead

A suspect in the shooting of top Ukrainian politician Andriy Parubiy has been arrested, President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed.

The National Police of Ukraine received a report of gunfire in the Sykhivskyi district of Lviv around noon on Saturday August 30. Parubiy, 54, died at the scene. The gunman disguised as a delivery driver fled the scene on a bike.

Ukraine 's interior minister Igor Klymenko said in a statement issued in the early hours of Monday morning that the suspect had been detained in the western Khmelnytskyi region.

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Taking to X Volodymyr Zelensky wrote: "Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko and Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Vasyl Maliuk have just reported the apprehension of a suspect in the murder of Andriy Parubiy. The necessary investigative actions are ongoing. I have instructed that the available information be presented to the public. I thank our law enforcement officers for their prompt and coordinated work. All the circumstances of this horrendous murder must be clarified."

He added: "Ukraine's Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko and the head of the Security Service of Ukraine Vasyl Maliuk have just reported on the detention of a suspect in the murder of Andriy Parubiy. Necessary investigative actions are ongoing. I have instructed to present the available information to the public. Thank you to the law enforcement officers for their prompt and coordinated work. All circumstances of this horrific murder must be clarified."

Officials gave no immediate indication whether the murder had any direct link to Russia's war in Ukraine.

Former President Petro Poroshenko said on Telegram that the killing of Parubiy, who was a member of the parliamentary committee on national security, defence and intelligence, was 'a shot fired at the heart of Ukraine.' He said: "Andriy was a great man and a true friend. That is why they take revenge, that is what they are afraid of."

A statement from police released on social media said “an unknown man fired several shots at a politician, as a result of which Andriy Parubiy died on the spot" So far, there have been no comments from officials on the potential motive behind the killing.

Parubiy was a "consistent defender of Ukrainian statehood”, according to incumbent speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk. Stefanchuk said: “On behalf of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, I express my condolences to Andrii's family and friends…”