Senior Ukrainian Intelligence Officer Ivan Voronich Assassinated in Kyiv
A senior officer in Ukraine’s Security Service, Colonel Ivan Voronich, was shot dead on Thursday morning in an apparent targeted assassination in Kyiv.
According to reports, the incident occurred in the Holosiivskyi district of the capital as Col. Voronich was crossing the street near a residential building. An unidentified assailant approached him at close range and fired five shots using a silenced pistol before fleeing the scene.
Security footage circulating on Telegram appears to show the moment the colonel was ambushed next to a line of parked cars. The suspect can be seen fleeing the area while concealing the weapon in his shorts.
Roman Chervinsky, a former Ukrainian intelligence officer, confirmed the killing, stating: “At approximately 8:00 a.m., the assassin fired five close-range shots as Col. Voronich was leaving his apartment. The enemy has done its work.” Chervinsky added that the colonel had been actively involved in Ukraine’s defense efforts since 2014.
Former Ukrainian MP Ihar Mosiychuk also confirmed Voronich’s death, accusing Russian intelligence operatives of orchestrating the attack.
Col. Voronich was reportedly the head of the 1st Division, 16th Department of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), a unit tasked with overseeing critical operations such as counter-terrorism and special missions.
This high-profile assassination is the latest in a string of targeted killings amid the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Ukrainian security forces have previously carried out operations inside Russian territory.
In December 2024, Ukrainian operatives allegedly killed a senior Russian general and his aide in Moscow using an explosive device concealed within a scooter. Earlier this year, another Russian general, Yaroslav Moskalik, died in a car bomb attack in the Russian capital.
In a separate incident last September, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) claimed it had neutralized a Ukrainian agent who was allegedly planning to assassinate a Russian defense industry executive.
Meanwhile, Russia has intensified its aerial bombardments on Ukrainian cities. On Tuesday night alone, Russian forces launched 741 missiles and drones, setting a new record. The following night, another 400 drones and 18 missiles were deployed during a nearly 10-hour assault, killing two civilians in Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the escalating attacks and emphasized the need for stronger and faster international action against Russia.
“We must accelerate our response,” Zelensky said. “Sanctions must be implemented swiftly, and pressure on Russia must be strong enough to force accountability for their acts of terror.”
President Zelensky is scheduled to visit Rome on Thursday to hold talks with international allies regarding additional support for Ukraine’s air defense systems and drone interception capabilities.
