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Counter-terrorism police have surrounded the bus in Lutsk
An armed man has taken about 20 people hostage on a bus in the Ukrainian city of Lutsk, according to authorities.
They have been fired, police said, but so far there have been no reports of victims. Man’s demands are not clear.
Deputy Interior Minister Anton Herashchenko said the man claimed to have a bomb.
“The police launched a special hostage operation. Negotiations are underway,” Herashchenko said on Facebook.
Anti-terror officers surrounded the bus and cordoned off the city center, according to reports. Nearby residents have been told not to leave their homes or offices.
Police spokesman Yurii Kroshko said it was not yet clear what the man wanted.
“We are trying to negotiate, we are calling him. He answered the phone before [but] did not respond to the following attempts. “
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An armored vehicle is being used to cordon off the scene.
Ukrainian media have shared what appears to be the man’s Twitter account, in which he posts criticism of political figures.
However, the police spokesman said the messages did not contain clear demands.
“These are just general phrases, general dissatisfaction with some system,” he said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was closely following the situation.
“Every effort is being made to resolve the situation without victims,” he said.
