Ukrainian officials have detained a suspect accused of executing a deadly “terrorist attack” in central Lviv that claimed the life of one police officer and wounded 25 others, President Zelenskyy announced on Sunday.
In a statement on X, Zelenskyy noted that Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko had informed him of the detention after the early-morning incident.
“I offer my condolences to the family and loved ones… All necessary resources have been made available. The required procedural actions regarding the detainee are currently underway. The Ministry of Internal Affairs will release further updates as necessary,” he stated.
Ukraine’s National Police reported on Telegram that authorities were first alerted around 12:30 a.m. to a burglary at a shop on Danylyshyn Street.
When the initial patrol crew reached the site, an explosion happened. A second blast occurred after a separate patrol unit arrived at the scene.
Authorities stated that preliminary investigations point to improvised explosive devices hidden in trash cans detonating in the city center.
Police commenced a large-scale operation following the explosions, involving explosives technicians, dog units, and other specialized squads.
The National Police indicated that a 23-year-old individual died in the blast, and 25 people sustained injuries of varying seriousness. Eleven victims were admitted to the hospital, including six law enforcement officers in critical condition.
A 33-year-old woman from the Rivne region was arrested hours later near the Stary Sambir border area in relation to the attack.
Investigators claim she acted on behalf of a “curator” tied to Russian special services and was responsible for making and planting the explosives.
“We have all grounds to believe this crime was committed on Russia’s orders. The enemy has repeatedly and intentionally set death traps for Ukrainian law enforcement officers, utilizing our recruited citizens in the process,” Klymenko said.