KYIV, Ukraine: In a high-profile political assassination that has shaken the nation, Andriy Parubiy, former Speaker of Ukraine’s Parliament and a prominent pro-European figure, was gunned down in Lviv on Saturday. The 54-year-old veteran politician, widely known for his key role in the Euromaidan and Orange Revolution movements, was shot multiple times by an assailant disguised as a delivery courier in the city’s Sykhivskyi district.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attacker, carrying a yellow courier bag, opened fire in broad daylight before fleeing the scene on an electric bike. The brazen attack has sparked an immediate and large-scale manhunt, with security agencies tightening surveillance across major cities.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the assassination, calling it a “heinous crime aimed at destabilizing Ukraine,” and vowed swift justice. Former President Petro Poroshenko and senior officials described Parubiy as “a patriot and a pillar of Ukraine’s democratic struggle,” emphasizing his role in steering the country toward a European future despite constant threats from pro-Russian factions.
A Legacy of Resistance
Parubiy, who served as Speaker from 2016 to 2019 and previously led the National Security and Defence Council, was a central figure in Ukraine’s push for independence from Russian influence. His leadership during pivotal protests and political transitions cemented his status as one of the country’s most influential statesmen.
A Calculated Killing
Investigators revealed that the hit was meticulously planned, with the killer tracking Parubiy’s movements before striking. Security footage is being analyzed as authorities suspect possible links to external actors, further heightening political tensions.
Growing Security Concerns
The killing has raised alarm about the safety of political leaders and the vulnerability of public spaces in Ukraine, particularly amid the ongoing war and heightened Russian aggression. Analysts warn that the incident could inflame nationalist sentiments and further polarize the political landscape.
Parubiy’s assassination is being seen as not just an attack on an individual but a blow to Ukraine’s democratic resolve — a stark reminder of the volatility gripping the nation as it navigates one of the most turbulent periods in its history.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.