Court Upset: Ukrainian Intelligence Officer Retracts Murder Confession, Cites Fear

A significant turn of events has occurred in the investigation into the murder of Anastasiya Berezovska, a Ukrainian national sought by Interpol and Monaco authorities in connection with an explosion there. Vladislav Reut, a Ukrainian intelligence officer initially suspected in her death, has dramatically withdrawn his confession during a court hearing at the Pechersk District Court in Kyiv.

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I was scared.

Berezovska was discovered deceased with gunshot wounds to the head several days after an explosion on June 29 in Monaco. The explosion injured a Ukrainian businessman, Vadim Yermolayev, along with a woman and a child. Reut and former police officer Vitaliy Zhikovich were subsequently arrested on suspicion of involvement in Berezovska's murder.

Prosecutors had requested a 60-day pre-trial detention for Reut without the option of bail, arguing that no lesser measure would suffice to prevent further offenses. According to the prosecution's account, Reut confessed to his role in the crime several days after the murder, detailing his acquaintance with Zhikovich and the events of July 3.

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During the drive, near the village of Yuriv, Zhikovich prepared the weapon used for the murder, a firearm. Upon arriving in the wooded area, Zhikovich distracted the victim, while Reut was supposed to carry out the murder. After that, Reut took a pistol from the car and fired at least two shots into her head.

However, Reut now asserts that Zhikovich forced him to take responsibility for the killing. He told the court that Zhikovich had asked for his help in hiding Berezovska upon her return to Ukraine, ostensibly while her documents were being sorted out. Reut claims that during their meeting, Zhikovich produced a gun and fired four shots at Berezovska, subsequently threatening Reut if he refused to confess.

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I propose that the suspect Vladislav Reut be taken into custody for 60 days, without the right to bail.