Ukrainian authorities say they detained a suspect after explosions in central Lviv killed 23-year-old policewoman Victoria Shpylka and injured 25 people. The blasts, around 12:30 a.m., were caused by improvised explosive devices hidden in garbage bins and struck responding patrols. A 33-year-old woman was arrested near Stary Sambir; investigators allege she acted under the direction of a 'curator' linked to Russian special services. President Zelenskyy and Interior Minister Klymenko said full resources have been allocated to the ongoing investigation.
One Killed, Dozens Injured in Lviv 'Terrorist Attack' — Suspect Detained, Officials Allege Russian Link
1 dead, dozens injured in 'terrorist attack' in Ukraine, Zelenskyy says
Ukrainian authorities have detained a suspect after explosions in central Lviv early Sunday that killed a police officer and injured dozens, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said.
Police officers stand at the site of explosions in downtown Lviv, Ukraine, on Feb. 22, 2026.(Reuters)
The National Police reported they received an emergency call at about 12:30 a.m. about a break-in at a store on Danylyshyn Street. When the first patrol arrived an explosion occurred; a second blast struck after a subsequent patrol unit responded. Preliminary findings indicate improvised explosive devices concealed in street garbage bins detonated in the city centre.
Emergency services work at the scene after explosions killed a 23-year-old policewoman and injured 24 people in Lviv, Ukraine, on Feb. 22, 2026.
Specialized teams—including explosives technicians, canine units and forensic investigators—were deployed to secure the scene and gather evidence. Officials identified the officer killed as 23-year-old policewoman Victoria Shpylka. In total, 25 people suffered injuries of varying severity; 11 victims were hospitalized, including six law enforcement officers who remain in serious condition.
Ukrainian law enforcement officers secure the area after an explosion rocked a shop in Lviv, Ukraine, on Feb. 22, 2026.
Authorities said a 33-year-old woman from the Rivne region was detained several hours later near the border area of Stary Sambir. Investigators allege she manufactured and planted the explosive devices and acted under the direction of a 'curator' linked to Russian special services.
"My condolences to the family and loved ones... All necessary resources have been provided to the investigation. The required procedural actions involving the detainee are ongoing," Zelenskyy wrote on X, citing Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko.
Klymenko said there is every reason to believe the attack was ordered by Russia, accusing the enemy of deliberately creating death traps for Ukrainian law enforcement and of exploiting recruited citizens. Authorities said procedural actions are ongoing and promised further updates as investigators continue to collect evidence and pursue leads.
The city centre remains under heightened security while specialized units process the scene.
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