A former security officer alleges his superiors ordered a deadly bombing in Monaco. The case has sparked intense debate about intelligence operations.
A former Ukrainian security officer claims his agency ordered a bombing in Monaco. Vitalii Zhykovych spoke from a prison in Kyiv. He links a violent attack on a millionaire to top military intelligence leaders.
The June explosion caused severe injuries to businessman Vadym Yermolayev. His young son and his partner also suffered wounds from the blast. Yermolayev later called their survival a true miracle.
Why this matters
This case creates deep concerns about international security. It suggests that government agencies may use freelancers for dangerous missions abroad. This could change how other countries view Ukraine's intelligence operations.
Also, this story highlights the deadly nature of these secret operations. Witnesses or agents often meet violent ends when missions fail. The death of the suspected bomber adds a grim layer to the plot.
Finally, these claims test the trust between Ukraine and its allies. Western nations provide significant support to the Ukrainian government. They may now demand answers about these alleged extra-judicial actions.
Details of the alleged plot
Zhykovych says he worked as a freelancer for the SBU. He claims a military intelligence officer named Vladyslav Reut planned the operation. Reut allegedly told him that high-ranking officials approved the attack.
Also, Zhykovych denies that he sent the bomber to kill. He identifies the bomber as Anastasia Berezovska. He says she lacked the training for such a lethal task.
Meanwhile, Berezovska died shortly after the Monaco attack. Police found her body in woods west of Kyiv. She had gunshot wounds to her head.
However, the two men now blame each other for the murder. Reut initially confessed to the crime in court. He later changed his story and accused Zhykovych instead.
The response from officials
The HUR military intelligence agency responded to these allegations. It says it wants a full investigation into the matter. The agency claims it supports law enforcement in this process.
Still, the SBU remains very quiet about the situation. It only calls Zhykovych a former law enforcement officer. It gives no further details about his past work.
Furthermore, investigators face a difficult road ahead. The shifting stories of the suspects make the truth hard to find. The mystery continues to haunt the Ukrainian legal system.
How we got here
- June 2026: A bomb attack in Monaco injures millionaire Vadym Yermolayev and his family.
- July 2026: Authorities discover the body of Anastasia Berezovska in a forest near Kyiv.
- August 2026: Police arrest Vitalii Zhykovych and Vladyslav Reut for the murder of Berezovska.
- September 2026: Zhykovych speaks to the media from prison about the alleged secret operation.
What happens next
The court must now decide which man is telling the truth. Prosecutors will review the claims against the intelligence agency. This could lead to a very public trial in the coming months.
Then, international observers will watch the legal proceedings closely. They want to see if the government holds its own agents accountable. The outcome will likely shape future relations with international partners.