In brief
A Ukrainian intelligence officer, Vladyslav Reut, who had previously admitted a role in the death of the woman linked to a Monaco bombing attempt, has now denied firing a gun. In a Kyiv courtroom, he shifts blame onto his former SBU accomplice, Vitalii Zhykovych, adding uncertainty to the case and the alleged motive behind the bomb. Both men remain in custody as prosecutors explore links to Russian espionage and organised crime. The case raises questions about Ukrainian intelligence operations and civilian involvement in violent threats.
Ukrainian intelligence agent Vladyslav Reut, who earlier admitted responsibility for the death of Anastasiia Berezovska, the woman suspected of staging a bomb attack in Monaco, has now recanted that claim, insisting he never fired a gun.
In a courtroom held on Thursday in Kyiv, Reut told judges he let his accomplice, former SBU officer Vitalii Zhykovych, carry out the killing, a statement that throws the case into new legal and political uncertainty.
The incident hinges on a parcel bomb that exploded near the Monaco‑France border, killing no one but provoking a global response and leading authorities in Ukraine to track suspects via mobile phone records and financial transfers.
Both accused men were deprived of bail and remain in custody as prosecutors investigate possible links to Russian‑sponsored espionage and organised crime, while the alleged motive behind the bomb remains unclear.
The case also raises questions about the reach of Ukrainian intelligence operatives and the safeguards required when former intelligence officers collaborate with civilians suspected of terrorism.
