Vitalii Zhykovych, a former Ukrainian security services officer, spoke to the BBC from prison regarding his alleged involvement in a bomb attack in Monaco in June that targeted businessman Vadym Yermolayev. Zhykovych claims the operation was ordered by senior members of Ukraine's military intelligence agency, HUR.
In the interview, Zhykovych described himself as a "freelancer" for Ukraine's SBU security service and identified Anastasia Berezovska, who was filmed planting the bomb, as his "agent." Following the bombing, Berezovska was found dead in the woods near Kyiv with gunshot wounds. Zhykovych denied sending her to kill Yermolayev and stated he did not kill her.
He was arrested alongside Vladyslav Reut, an active-duty intelligence officer from HUR, who initially confessed to the murder but later changed his testimony to implicate Zhykovych. Zhykovych alleges that Reut proposed the operation against Yermolayev and claimed it was authorized by HUR's superiors. He distanced himself from the bombing, stating that Reut communicated directly with Berezovska and provided her with explosives.
The BBC reached out to HUR for comment, and the agency reiterated its commitment to a full investigation. Yermolayev and his family were injured in the blast, which occurred as they returned from dinner. Yermolayev has suggested that individuals linked to HUR were involved in the attack and has called for justice.
Zhykovych further claimed that Reut indicated the bombing was retaliation for Yermolayev's alleged financial ties to Russia, specifically regarding taxes from businesses in Crimea. Yermolayev has denied any such connections. During a recent custody hearing, Zhykovych stated that the attack was not officially authorized and suggested civilian orders were involved.
The investigation into both the bombing and Berezovska's murder continues, with her family seeking answers. Berezovska's husband dismissed Zhykovych's claims, asserting she was unwittingly involved in the events. Zhykovych mentioned that Berezovska had contacted him after the attack, claiming she was promised a significant payment for her involvement.