The suspected killer of Ukrainian politician Andriy Parubiy has admitted to carrying out the lawmaker’s assassination, saying he acted in “revenge” against the country’s authorities.
Parubiy, a prominent nationalist and former chair of Ukraine’s parliament, was shot dead in a targeted attack in Lviv on Saturday.
Authorities described the murder as a “carefully planned” operation.
The 52-year-old suspect, a Lviv resident whose name has not been released, spoke to reporters inside the court on Tuesday, confirming his responsibility for the killing.
He denied any involvement with Russian intelligence or foreign agents, claiming that he shot Parubiy simply because the politician happened to be nearby.
After the shooting, the suspect reportedly fled to a forested area, where he burned his clothing and disassembled the bicycle he had used during the attack, according to the Lviv Regional Prosecutor’s Office.
The suspect has been detained for 60 days while authorities continue their investigation.
During the court appearance, the suspect requested a fast verdict, expressing a desire to be exchanged as a prisoner of war so he could retrieve the body of his son, who had served in Ukraine’s military.
Ukrainian media reports suggest that investigators are exploring this motive along with other potential angles.
Parubiy’s funeral was held on Tuesday in Lviv, drawing a large crowd of mourners.
Maksym Kozytskyi, head of the city’s regional military administration, posted condolences on social media, offering sympathies to Parubiy’s family and promising that the suspect would face justice.
The assassination of Parubiy has shocked Ukrainian political circles, given his long-standing role in parliament and his prominence as a nationalist figure.
The investigation continues as authorities work to understand the full circumstances surrounding the killing and the motives of the suspect.
The case comes amid ongoing tensions in Ukraine, highlighting the persistent risks faced by public officials in the country.
Security forces have pledged to pursue all leads and ensure accountability for those responsible for politically motivated violence.