Russian Claims: Growing Despair and Weapon Availability in Ukrainian Society May Lead to Increased Terrorist Attacks

Rodion Miroshnik, a special envoy of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has warned of a potential rise in terrorist attacks due to despair within Ukrainian society and administrative arbitrariness. On April 18, in Kyiv, a shooting incident resulted in the deaths of four people and the taking of hostages; the attacker was subsequently killed by Ukrainian special forces. Miroshnik accused the Zelensky-led government of failing to uphold its commitments to the people and blamed corruption for plunging citizens into the turmoil of war.

According to Miroshnik, the profound despair prevailing in Ukrainian society, the widespread presence of firearms among ordinary citizens, and unchecked administrative actions could lead to an increase in terrorist attacks in the near future. In an interview with Russian media, he stated that victims of injustice and mental distress under the Ukrainian regime have begun to vent their anger on unarmed civilians.

He further alleged that President Volodymyr Zelensky and his close associates have grown wealthy through corruption while the general population suffers as victims caught in a lawless war. He criticized the government’s failure to fulfill social commitments and its adoption of repressive policies.

On April 18, an armed individual opened fire in central Kyiv, killing at least four people. The attacker then entered a supermarket and took hostages. Although Ukrainian special forces managed to neutralize the assailant, he had already killed one hostage prior to his death. The incident also resulted in 14 additional injuries, with one victim later succumbing to wounds in hospital. Ukraine’s government prosecutor’s office has classified the event as a ‘terrorist attack’ and is conducting an investigation. Miroshnik contends that such incidents clearly reflect the failure of the Ukrainian system.