A court in Ukraine has ordered two men to remain in pretrial detention without the option of bail after they were accused of killing a woman suspected of carrying out a high-profile bombing in Monaco. The case has drawn international attention as authorities continue investigating possible connections between the suspects and the earlier attack that left three people seriously injured.
Court Sends Suspects to Pretrial Detention
The two accused men appeared before a Ukrainian court, which ruled they should remain in custody while the investigation continues. Prosecutors allege the pair were involved in the killing of 39-year-old Anastasiia Berezovska, who had been wanted by Interpol in connection with a June 29 bombing in Monaco.
According to investigators, Berezovska was found dead with gunshot wounds near Kyiv. Authorities said one of the accused is a serving officer in Ukraine’s military intelligence service, while the other is a former law enforcement official.
During the court hearing, one suspect reportedly withdrew an earlier confession, claiming he had admitted responsibility out of fear. He later alleged that the second defendant was the shooter. The other suspect has denied the accusations.
Investigation Expands Beyond the Murder
Investigators are also examining whether the two suspects had any involvement in the Monaco bombing itself. Officials said financial records, including cryptocurrency and bank transfers linked to Berezovska, are being reviewed as part of the broader investigation.
Berezovska had been wanted on charges including attempted murder, using an explosive device, and criminal conspiracy following the bombing in Monaco.
The explosion seriously injured Ukrainian-born businessman Vadym Yermolaiev, his partner, and their son. Yermolaiev is now a Cypriot citizen and had previously been sanctioned by Ukraine in 2023.
Ukraine Seeks International Cooperation
Ukraine’s Prosecutor General has called for closer cooperation with Monaco to fully investigate both the bombing and the subsequent murder of the main suspect. Officials say they are prepared to work through international legal channels to determine whether the two cases are directly connected.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not yet announced a possible motive for Berezovska’s killing. Prosecutors continue gathering evidence while both suspects remain in custody pending further legal proceedings.
