In brief
In a dramatic turn, Vladyslav Reut, a Ukrainian intelligence operative, denies previously confessing to the murder of Anastasiia Berezovska, the woman suspected of attempting to assassinate a multimillionaire in Monaco. Reut now accuses his co‑defendant, Vitalii Zhykovych, of the killing during a courthouse session in Kyiv. This new allegation links the high‑profile Monaco bombing investigation to a courtroom drama in Ukraine, raising questions about the motives and responsibilities of both men. Reported by BBC correspondent Sarah Rainsford, the case highlights the complex intersections of espionage, crime, and international justice. The story remains evolving as legal proceedings continue.
New Twist in Monaco Bomb Case: Ukrainian Spy Denies Killing the Suspect
During a high‑profile court session in Kyiv, Vladyslav Reut – a Ukrainian intelligence officer – shocked the courtroom by denying a confession he had previously given about murdering Anastasiia Berezovska, the woman linked to a bomb that exploded in Monaco on a private yacht. Berezovska was suspected of attempting to assassinate a multimillionaire, and the attack had jolted international security circles.
According to court reports, Reut shouted, “I did not kill Berezovska!” and accused “my co‑defendant Vitalii Zhykovych of the killing,” overturning a narrative that had emerged earlier in the trial. He also challenged the line of evidence that implicated him, and urged the court to open a fresh investigation into Zhykovych’s role.
BBC correspondent1 Sarah Rainsford was on location and lunched the dramatic exchange on the day. Rainsford noted that the testimonies were “unlikely to be the final word,” and that the Ukrainian security services had long been suspected of covertly linking spies to high‑profile crimes.
The case now forces both Russian‑led courts and international observers to reconsider the layers of espionage and criminal retaliation that could underlie such claims. As the trial moves forward, questions about the true identity of the perpetrator continue to weigh heavily on the global political stage.
(Sourced from the BBC, July 10 2026)
