Ukrainian Man Linked to Monaco Bomb Attack Speaks from Prison

Vitalii Zhykovych, a former Ukrainian security services officer, has spoken from prison in Kyiv regarding a bomb attack in Monaco in June that targeted businessman Vadym Yermolayev. In an interview with the BBC, Zhykovych claims the operation was authorized by senior members of Ukraine's military intelligence agency, HUR. Yermolayev and his son were injured in the blast, while his partner suffered severe injuries. Zhykovych 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'. Berezovska was later found dead in the woods near Kyiv with gunshot wounds. Zhykovych denies any involvement in her death and claims that another intelligence officer, Vladyslav Reut, was responsible for the operation. Reut initially confessed to investigators but later changed his testimony to implicate Zhykovych. The BBC has sought comments from HUR, which has stated it is committed to a full investigation. Yermolayev has suggested that individuals connected to HUR may have been involved in the attack and has called for justice. Zhykovych alleges that the bombing was in retaliation for Yermolayev's financial ties to Russia, a claim Yermolayev denies. The investigation into both the bombing and Berezovska's murder is ongoing.