Ukraine detains woman suspected of carrying out Russia-directed attack in Lviv

Ukrainian law enforcement authorities have detained a woman suspected of involvement in explosions that occurred in the western city of Lviv on the night of February 22, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said.

“We did everything possible and impossible to identify the perpetrators of this terrorist attack,” Klymenko stated, adding that the investigation is ongoing to determine whether other individuals were involved.

According to the main version of the investigation, the attack was allegedly commissioned by Russia.

Head of the Lviv Regional Prosecutor’s Office Mykola Mereta said the suspect was detained in one of the region’s district centres.

“A person who may have participated in the criminal offence, specifically as the direct perpetrator, has been detained,” Mereta noted.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also commented on the situation following a briefing from the Interior Ministry.

“Necessary procedural steps regarding the detainee are under way. The Ministry of Internal Affairs will provide all required details,” Zelenskyy said.

Preliminary information indicates that a 23-year-old female police officer was killed in the explosions in Lviv earlier today.

A criminal case has been opened under Part 2 of Article 258 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code — a terrorist act resulting in grave consequences.

According to investigators, police initially received a report via the 102 emergency line about a break-in at a shop on one of the city streets. The first explosion occurred as the initial patrol police unit arrived at the scene, followed by a second blast after another group of officers reached the location.

Authorities report that 25 people were injured in the attack. Eleven remain hospitalised, including six law enforcement officers in serious condition.