Introduction

The BBC has secured a rare prison interview with a former Ukrainian intelligence officer who breaks his silence about a bomb attack on a millionaire in Monaco, revealing a tangled web of alleged state-sanctioned violence, betrayal, and personal tragedy.

What Happened

In June, Vadym Yermolayev and his 13-year-old son were injured when an explosion rocked their vehicle outside a Monaco restaurant, while his partner suffered catastrophic wounds. Closed-circuit television captured Anastasia Berezovska placing a bag on their doorstep before the device detonated. Weeks later, Berezovska was found dead in woods near Kyiv, a gunshot wound to the head. Zhykovych, a former SBU officer now behind bars, tells the BBC he was used as a conduit by HUR officer Vladyslav Reut, who he says orchestrated the strike and later had the alleged bomber killed to silence her.

Why This Matters

The allegations open a rare window into the shadowy world of Ukrainian military intelligence, alleged retaliation for tax payments in Russian-occupied Crimea, and the dangerous blurred lines between state operations and rogue violence. The case raises urgent questions about accountability, witness safety, and how far intelligence agencies will go in extraterritorial attacks.

Key Takeaways

  • Zhykovych claims Reut authorized the Monaco bombing as retaliation for Yermolayev's alleged tax payments to Russia from Crimea.
  • Reut then allegedly killed Berezovska's after she planted the bomb, shifting blame onto Zhykovych.
  • Yermolayev denies any Russian connections, and his son was convicted in Estonia for running a fraudulent call-centre operation.
  • The HUR has previously stated it is committed to a full investigation and supporting law enforcement.
  • The case remains unresolved, with families and investigators probing both the Monaco blast and Berezovska's murder.

Conclusion

As the investigation into the Monaco bombing and the subsequent death of the alleged bomber continues, the story stands as a stark example of how espionage, personal vengeance, and geopolitical conflict can intertwine in devastating ways. Whether the full truth will ever surface remains uncertain, but the statements from a Ukrainian prison and a grieving family ensure the reckoning isn't ending anytime soon.