Russian journalist Arkady Babchenko was shot and killed in Kiev, an official at the Ukrainian National Police said.
"Yes, it's true, we have the information on his death," TASS cited the official as saying.
The city police department’s press service later confirmed the reports, saying that a criminal case into the matter was launched on charges of premeditated murder.
Kiev police chief Andrei Krishchenko said that police viewed Babchenko’s professional activities as a most likely motive.
"Two versions are being examined: Babchenko’s work and his civic stance," he said. "Professional activities are seen as the first and the most evident version."
Police are currently interviewing witnesses and trying to obtain footage from CCTV cameras nearby, the Kiev city police chief said.
