Ukrainian Man Linked to Monaco Bombing Claims Operation Was Ordered by Military Intelligence

Vitalii Zhykovych, a former Ukrainian security services officer, has spoken to the BBC from a prison in Kyiv regarding a bomb attack in Monaco in June that targeted businessman Vadym Yermolayev. Zhykovych claims the attack was ordered by senior members of HUR, Ukraine's military intelligence agency. In his interview, he described himself as a 'freelancer' for Ukraine's SBU security service and stated that Anastasia Berezovska, who was caught on camera planting the bomb, was his 'agent.' Following the bombing, Berezovska's body was found in a wooded area near Kyiv with gunshot wounds. Zhykovych denies involvement in her death and claims he did not send her to carry out the bombing. 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 that it was authorized by Reut's superiors. He claims that Reut communicated directly with Berezovska and provided her with explosives. The HUR agency has stated it is committed to a full investigation. Yermolayev and his family were injured in the blast, which occurred as they returned from dinner. The incident has raised questions about possible motives, including links to organized crime or state involvement. Yermolayev has denied any connections to Russia or organized crime. Zhykovych also suggested that the bombing was a retaliation for Yermolayev's alleged financial ties to Russia. The investigation into both the bombing and Berezovska's murder is ongoing, with her family seeking answers about her involvement.