Monaco Bomb Plot Unveiled: Ex‑Spy Claims Ukraine Intelligence Ruling

In a high‑stakes confession, Vitalii Zhykovych—a former Ukrainian security officer—sent a rare interview to the BBC from a Kyiv prison. He says the 2026 blast that nearly killed billionaire Vadym Yermolayev in Monaco was not a rogue act but a hit ordered by senior members of HUR, Ukraine’s top military‑intelligence agency.

The Monaco Massacre

Yermolayev, his 13‑year‑old son, and his partner were shattered when a bomb detonated on their yacht’s dock. The blast caused serious injuries and left a powerful shockwave that even the bomber, Anastasia Berezovska, could not ignore. Yermolayev described the event as a “miracle” that saved his life.

The Mystery of Berezovska

Shortly after the attack, Berezovska’s body was found in woods near Kyiv, with a gunshot wound to the head. Zhykovych says he was the “freelancer” who supplied her with the bomb, but denies ordering her execution. Instead, he accuses HUR officer Vladyslav Reut of drawing and murdering her, a claim that Reut rejected in court.

Inside the Operatives’ Web

Zhykovych alleges Reut staged the Monaco operation as retaliation for Yermolayev’s alleged payments to Russia through businesses in Crimea. He claims the hit was pre‑authorized by HUR, but later admission that it might not have been official keeps the plot murky. The conflicting narratives paint a picture of spy agency intrigue, double‑agent drama, and covert retaliation.

Broader Impact

Yermolayev, now a Cypriot citizen, has dismissed claims that his wealth ties to Russia triggered the attack. The case has stirred speculation about organised crime links, state‑backed hits, and whistle‑blowing inside Ukraine’s intelligence community. Officials are calling for a full probe.