Explosive in toy linked suspects in Monaco attack and witness murder

Ukrainian investigators are exploring a potential link between the murder of Anastasiia Berezovska and a terrorist attack in Monaco that severely injured businessman Vadym Yermolayev. Sources close to the investigation suggest that Vitaliy Zhikovich and Vladislav Reut, who are suspected of Berezovska's murder, may also have organized the Monaco assault.

Zhikovich, a former Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) employee, and Reut, an active member of Ukraine's military intelligence (GUR), are reportedly cooperating with investigators. Their testimonies, which sources claim largely align, are helping investigators reconstruct the sequence of events. Berezovska, who had been living in Germany as a refugee, was allegedly motivated by financial gain, hoping to buy a house in Ukraine.

Central to the investigation is the creation of the explosive device. According to sources, Reut admitted to constructing the electronic circuit for detonation, which was concealed within a toy car and sent to the attacker via Germany. Zhikovich, however, maintains that Berezovska lacked the technical expertise for such a device. The initial plan, according to the suspects, was to kidnap Yermolayev, not kill him, though the objective was later changed.

Investigators are also examining Berezovska's potential involvement in other operations, including those linked to Ukrainian blogger Anatoliy Shariy. The possibility that Berezovska was eliminated to prevent her from revealing other participants after being identified by French authorities is also being considered. Reut is described as a highly skilled explosives expert. While the two men are officially charged only with Berezovska's murder, their connection to the Monaco attack remains under investigation.