Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned of ongoing terrorist threats in Ukraine, following a recent attack in Lviv that resulted in one death and numerous injuries. The incident, characterized by two explosions, occurred as emergency services responded to an initial blast.
In a video address, Zelensky reported that 25 individuals were injured, including police officers and civilians. Tragically, a 23-year-old police officer, Victoria Shpylyka, lost her life in the attack. The president expressed condolences to her family and highlighted that medical assistance is being provided to those injured, with some in critical condition.
The president noted that investigations into the attack are underway, with preliminary findings indicating that the perpetrators were recruited via Telegram and that the organization behind the attack is believed to be Russian. The Ministry of Internal Affairs, the National Police of Ukraine, and the Security Service of Ukraine are expected to release further details.
Zelensky emphasized the need for enhanced measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. He acknowledged that Ukrainian law enforcement has experience in counteracting such threats, having successfully thwarted numerous similar plots. He called for increased community involvement and cooperation among local leaders and government institutions to reduce the capacity for terrorist activities within Ukraine.
On February 22, law enforcement officials reported the arrest of a 33-year-old woman from the Rivne region, suspected of involvement in the Lviv attack. According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, the police received reports of a break-in at a store on Danilyshyna Street shortly after midnight, leading to the initial explosion. A subsequent explosion occurred when a second police unit arrived on the scene. It has been determined that improvised explosive devices were used.
In addition to the deceased officer, 25 others sustained injuries, primarily among law enforcement personnel, but also including civilians. Shpylyka had begun her service in the patrol police in Kherson and had been working in Lviv since 2023.
A criminal investigation has been initiated under Article 258 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, which pertains to terrorist acts causing severe consequences. The Security Service of Ukraine in Lviv is conducting the preliminary investigation, and several individuals have been detained in connection with the attack.
Minister of Internal Affairs Igor Klymenko stated that the attack in Lviv is likely to have been commissioned by Russian operatives, although he did not disclose specific details regarding the evidence of Moscow’s involvement.
A terrorist attack in Lviv has resulted in one police officer's death and numerous injuries. Investigations point to potential Russian involvement, with arrests made.