Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed the arrest of a suspect in the assassination of Andriy Parubiy, a veteran politician and former speaker of Ukraine’s parliament, who was gunned down in Lviv on Saturday.
Parubiy, 54, was shot multiple times at close range by an assailant disguised as a courier, in an attack that shocked the nation and reignited fears of politically motivated violence amid the ongoing war.
Interior Minister Igor Klymenko said the suspect was tracked down and arrested in the Khmelnytskyi region, west of Lviv, after a sweeping nationwide manhunt.
Investigators believe the killing was meticulously planned, with the attacker studying Parubiy’s travel routes and preparing an escape plan in advance.
Unverified CCTV footage circulating online appears to show the gunman in a delivery uniform, approaching Parubiy from behind before firing at least eight shots, according to Lviv police chief Oleksandr Shliakhovskyi.
Sources later said the assailant posed as a courier for the food delivery company Glovo, which issued a statement saying it was “deeply shocked” and pledged full cooperation with investigators.
In a statement posted on social media, President Zelensky confirmed that the suspect had already given an initial testimony after being questioned by chief prosecutor Ruslan Kravchenko.
“Urgent investigative actions are underway to establish all the circumstances of this murder,” Zelensky wrote, praising law enforcement and prosecutors for “working around the clock” to bring the perpetrator to justice.
Parubiy was one of Ukraine’s most influential post-Soviet politicians. As speaker of parliament from 2016 to 2019, he played a pivotal role in steering legislation that deepened Kyiv’s ties with Europe.
He first rose to prominence during the 2013–2014 Euromaidan protests, where he organised “self-defence brigades” to protect demonstrators demanding the ouster of pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych. His leadership during those protests cemented his reputation as a staunch defender of Ukraine’s sovereignty and European future.
Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive, but security analysts say the assassination of such a high-profile figure raises serious questions about possible political or foreign involvement.
The Prosecutor General’s Office said further details would be released in the coming days as investigators work to establish the full chain of responsibility behind the killing.
