Ukrainian spy retracts confession in Monaco bombing suspect murder case

A Ukrainian military intelligence officer has retracted his confession regarding the murder of Anastasiia Berezovska, a woman suspected in a failed assassination attempt on a Ukrainian oligarch in Monaco. This retraction was reported on Friday during court proceedings in Kyiv, where the accused are being held.

Details of the Murder Case

The body of Berezovska, a 39-year-old Ukrainian citizen, was discovered with gunshot wounds to the head, alongside pistol cartridges. She was wanted by Interpol for a bomb attack on June 29 that injured Vadym Yermolaiev, a Ukrainian oligarch.

Ukrainian authorities have detained two men: a serving officer from Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) and a former law enforcement officer, both accused of her murder. The Prosecutor General's Office confirmed that the suspects are being held without bail.

Confession and Retraction

Initially, the HUR officer confessed to the crime but later claimed that he was coerced into admitting guilt due to fears for his life. He now alleges that his co-defendant was responsible for the fatal shots. This development raises questions about the integrity of the investigation and the circumstances surrounding the confession.

Ukrainian media has reported that the two suspects had financial ties to Berezovska, having transferred cryptocurrency and funds to her prior to her death. Investigators discovered her body during a reconstruction of the crime based on one of the suspect’s testimonies.

Background of the Suspected Target

Vadym Yermolaiev, who was injured in the bombing, has been under sanctions by Ukraine since 2023 for his alleged business dealings in Russian-annexed Crimea. His family was also affected, with his partner and son sustaining injuries during the attack.

Berezovska faced serious charges in Monaco, including attempted murder and criminal conspiracy. The case continues to unfold as the investigation progresses.