Ukrainian Intelligence Agent Denies Killing Suspect in Monaco Bomb Case

A Ukrainian intelligence officer who earlier confessed to killing a woman suspected of attempting to assassinate a businessman in Monaco has now denied committing the murder in court. The officer told a Kyiv court on Thursday that his former co-defendant fired the shots.

He said the pair had driven to collect the woman on a highway outside the capital after she arrived from Poland two days after the Monaco blast.

The officer described being directed to a forest path near the village of Yuriv. He said the co-defendant produced a pistol, ordered him to shoot, and then fired four shots himself before both men buried the body. The officer claimed he was threatened with harm to his relatives if he refused to participate.

His co-defendant's lawyer rejected the account and described his client as a low-level former security service officer who had fought in eastern Ukraine. The prosecutor stated both men acted jointly and charged them with premeditated murder. The judge denied bail and ordered both held in custody.

The woman had been identified as the prime suspect in the Monaco bombing that targeted a businessman who made his fortune in cognac and real estate. He had renounced Ukrainian citizenship and was sanctioned by Kyiv for business dealings in Crimea. Authorities have not disclosed a motive.

The prosecutor said one suspect provided information about a possible motive but that releasing it would hinder the investigation. " — Prosecutor, 9 July 2026 (BBC) The lawyer for the co-defendant suggested a possible Russian connection but presented no evidence.

Other theories including corruption and organized crime have also been raised. President Volodymyr Zelensky said he would provide additional reports in the coming days. The investigation continues.