In a rare public appearance, Vitalii Zhykovych – a former officer of Ukraine’s SBU and a key figure in the investigation of the June bombing that injured billionaire businessman Vadym Yermolayev and his family in Monaco – gave an exclusive interview to the BBC from a prison cell in Kyiv. The interview marks the first time the suspect has spoken publicly about the operation that has sparked speculation about state involvement, criminal motives, and the murky world of Ukrainian intelligence.
Background to the Monaco attack
The explosion occurred as Yermolayev, his 13‑year‑old son and his partner returned from an evening meal on the Monaco seafront. Surveillance footage captured Anastasia Berezovska placing a device in a bag left at the family’s doorstep before it detonated, injuring the businessman and his son and leaving his partner with catastrophic injuries. After the blast, Berezovska fled through Italy and Germany, only to be tracked down and killed in a wooded area west of Kyiv a week later.
The BBC interview
Facilitated by his lawyer, Zhykovych spoke directly to BBC reporters, describing himself as a “freelancer” for Ukraine’s SBU. He claimed that the woman seen on camera, Berezovska, was his “agent” and that the operation was proposed by Vladyslav Reut – an active‑duty officer of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence (HUR). Zhykovych said Reut told him the attack had been authorised and approved by senior HUR officials, though he later suggested the order may have come from a “civilian side”.
Allegations and official responses
During the interview Zhykovych made several key allegations:
- Senior HUR involvement: He asserted that Reut’s superiors in HUR gave the green light for the Monaco operation.
- Use of Berezovska: Zhykovych claimed Reut recruited Berezovska for reconnaissance, later providing her with the explosives after Zhykovych refused to involve her directly.
- Motivation: He suggested the attack was retaliation for Yermolayev’s alleged funding of the annexation of Crimea, implying a link to Russian‑occupied territories.
The HUR agency, when approached by the BBC, reiterated its earlier statement that it is “committed to a full investigation” and is providing “comprehensive support” to law‑enforcement bodies. The SBU, which described Zhykovych only as a “former law‑enforcement officer”, has not commented on the specific claims made in the interview.
Uncertainty and open questions
While Zhykovych’s testimony offers a detailed narrative of the planning and execution of the bombing, several uncertainties remain:
- The extent of HUR’s involvement is contested; no independent verification of the alleged authorization has been presented.
- The identity of the “civilian side” that Zhykovych alluded to is not disclosed, and speculation about a pro‑Russian blogger remains unsubstantiated.
- Motives for targeting Yermolayev are still debated, with theories ranging from organized‑crime disputes over call‑centre scams to political retaliation.
These gaps underscore the difficulty of untangling a case that intertwines intelligence operations, cross‑border crime, and personal tragedy.
Implications for the investigation
The interview adds a new layer to an already complex case. If Zhykovych’s claims about senior HUR approval are accurate, the bombing could represent a rare instance of a state‑linked covert operation on foreign soil. Conversely, if the allegations are false or exaggerated, they may reflect an attempt by the suspect to shift blame or negotiate a more favorable legal outcome.
For investigators, the interview provides a fresh lead – the alleged involvement of a high‑ranking HUR officer – that may prompt deeper scrutiny of internal communications and command structures. International partners, including Interpol, which previously circulated Berezovska’s image, will likely monitor any developments closely.
Conclusion
Zhykovych’s decision to break his silence has reignited public interest in a case that has already captured headlines across Europe. By alleging senior military‑intelligence approval, he has opened the door to questions about the boundaries between state security services and illicit activities. As the investigation proceeds, both Ukrainian authorities and international observers will need to verify the suspect’s statements against hard evidence before drawing definitive conclusions about who ordered the Monaco bombing and why.