The ‘ordinary’ woman accused of assassinating a Russian commander in Crimea

A powerful explosion in Sevastopol killed Robert Shageev, the deputy commander of a Russian Black Sea fleet submarine brigade, on August 13. Investigators quickly identified and detained Margarita Reutt, a 32-year-old resident of Sochi, as a suspect.

Russian investigators allege that Reutt confessed to planting a bomb, equivalent to about 500g of TNT, which detonated as Shageev walked past. They claim she stated a handler linked to Ukrainian intelligence promised her cryptocurrency payment and a means to escape Russia afterward. Investigators also reported finding a remote control they believe was used to detonate the device.

Shageev, a former commander of Ukraine's only submarine, had switched allegiance to Russia in 2014 after Moscow annexed Crimea. The FSB asserted Reutt showed no remorse, though these claims could not be independently verified. Russian security agencies have a history of publicizing confessions before trials.

Friends describe Reutt as warm and sociable, yet unusually drawn to adventure and risk. Some noted a gradual hardening of her attitude toward Russia, with a more striking change emerging in the months before the attack. "Rita believed that the country was going in the wrong direction," one friend said, adding, "But I am still shocked she went so far."

Kyiv has not commented on the bombing or Reutt's alleged role. Her trial is expected to take place behind closed doors, limiting public insight into her account.

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Rita believed that the country was going in the wrong direction. But I am still shocked she went so far.