Former Ukrainian Parliament Speaker Andriy Parubiy Assassinated in Lviv
Tragedy struck in the western city of Lviv as former Ukrainian parliament speaker Andriy Parubiy was shot dead in a brazen attack that has left authorities scrambling to find the perpetrator.
Shocking unverified footage circulating online captures the moment a man disguised as a courier approaches Parubiy on the street, swiftly drawing a weapon from a yellow delivery bag, and unleashing a barrage of gunfire before making a swift escape on an e-bike.
Ukrainian prosecutors revealed that Parubiy, aged 54, sustained multiple gunshot wounds and tragically succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Law enforcement officials recovered seven shell casings, painting a grim picture of the violent incident.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wasted no time in condemning the heinous act, labeling it a “terrible murder” and extending heartfelt condolences to Parubiy’s grieving family.
A large-scale manhunt, dubbed Operation Siren, has been launched to apprehend the suspect behind the chilling assassination.
“We are mobilizing all necessary resources and personnel to bring the perpetrator to justice,” declared Zelenskyy in an official statement.
Parubiy played a pivotal role in the historic 2013–2014 Euromaidan protests, leading the movement’s self-defense units during the massive demonstrations that ultimately led to the ousting of pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych.
Subsequently, he assumed the position of secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council during the onset of the Russia-backed separatist conflict in eastern Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea by Russia.
His political career continued to soar post-Yanukovych era, culminating in his election as parliament speaker in 2016, a position he held until 2019. Remarkably, in 2022, he also joined territorial defense forces while fulfilling his duties as a lawmaker.
Tributes poured in from all corners following his untimely demise. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha hailed Parubiy as “a patriot and statesman who played a crucial role in Ukraine’s struggle for freedom, independence, and sovereignty.”
Former President Petro Poroshenko fondly remembered him as “a great man and a true friend,” lamenting that his assassination was “a blow to the heart of Ukraine.”
Authorities have assured that the investigation into the assassination is ongoing and have pledged to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice. — BBC
