Suspect in Monaco Bomb Attack Speaks From Ukrainian Prison

Interview From Prison

Vitalii Zhykovych, a former Ukrainian security services officer, spoke to the BBC from a prison in Kyiv regarding a June bomb attack in Monaco that targeted millionaire Vadym Yermolayev. Yermolayev, his 13-year-old son, and his partner were injured in the explosion. Zhykovych described himself as a freelancer for the SBU security service and stated that Anastasia Berezovska, the woman filmed planting the device, acted as his agent.

Allegations Involving Military Intelligence

Zhykovych alleged that an active-duty intelligence officer from Ukraine’s HUR named Vladyslav Reut proposed the Monaco operation and informed him that it had been authorized by senior members of the Main Intelligence Directorate. According to Zhykovych, Reut supplied the explosives and communicated directly with Berezovska for reconnaissance. The HUR stated previously that it is committed to a full investigation and supports law enforcement bodies.

Murder Accusations and Investigation

A week after the bombing, Berezovska’s body was found in woods west of Kyiv with gunshot wounds to the head. Zhykovych and Reut were arrested and accused of her murder. Reut initially confessed and led police to the grave, but later altered his testimony in court to accuse Zhykovych. Both men blame each other for the shooting. Yermolayev has previously called for a full investigation, while denying various theories surrounding the attack, including links to organized crime.