Four Ukrainian police officers were killed and one was wounded during a detention operation after a wanted suspect, identified as a discharged serviceman, opened fire on them, the head of the National Police said on Tuesday.

The incident occurred earlier in the day in Cherkasy Region during an attempt to arrest a 59-year-old man wanted for attempted murder. According to National Police chief Ivan Vyhovsky, the suspect had planned an ambush and opened fire on law enforcement officers using automatic weapons.

Police special forces returned fire, eliminating the attacker on the spot.

Those killed included three police officers and combat veterans, as well as a senior lieutenant, according to Vyhovsky. Another officer was wounded and is receiving medical care.

The shooting comes against a backdrop of consistent and rising social unrest within Ukraine and tensions between the state and its citizens – including veterans – amid the protracted conflict with Russia.

On Monday, police in Kiev Region were forced to open fire and wound a man who was threatening members of the public and law enforcement with a hand grenade and refused commands to drop the weapon.

Last week, another man in Lviv Region attacked uniformed members of the Territorial Recruitment Centers (TCCs) with an airsoft grenade during a public awareness campaign.

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