Sternenko suggests Russians tried to kill him as a symbolic act tied to Odesa tragedy anniversary

“Today marks the 11th anniversary of Odesa’s defense against the Russian invasion that tried to create the so-called ‘Odesa People’s Republic.’ I’m proud I was part of that effort. Together, we defended the city and didn’t let the Russian scum take Odesa. From a symbolic standpoint, it was very important for Russia to kill me—or another prominent participant in those events,” Sternenko said.

He added that the attempt on his life is not an isolated incident but “in line with” the killings of linguist Iryna Farion and civic activist Demian Hanul.

In Sternenko’s view, during wartime, every volunteer and active citizen faces threats from Russia. He noted that ahead of the attack, he had rented an armored vehicle and was under state protection.

On the day of the attempted assassination, he was accompanied by a security guard and a member of Ukraine’s SBU Alpha special unit who, according to Sternenko, saved his life by reacting in time and disarming the attacker.

What’s known about the May 1 attack on Sternenko

On May 1, activist, blogger, and volunteer Serhii Sternenko said he had been attacked and sustained a gunshot wound, though his life was not in danger. Ukraine’s SBU Security Service later announced it had foiled the assassination attempt and detained the woman at the scene.

Sternenko underwent surgery, and the bullet reportedly passed through his body.

Ukrainska Pravda later reported that the attacker, born in 1979 and originally from Odesa Oblast, had been living in Kyiv and was likely paid by Russian intelligence services to carry out the attack.

On May 2, the SBU said the 45-year-old woman was recruited by Russian agents in late 2024. She began surveilling Sternenko in April 2025, moving into the same residential complex in central Kyiv where he lives.

According to her lawyer, the woman has confessed and is cooperating with investigators.

On May 2, the suspect in the attack on Serhii Sternenko was ordered held in custody until June 29.