Russian 'handlers' recruited Lviv bombing suspect via Telegram, police say

In an interview with LB.ua published Feb. 26, Nebytov said the suspect had for years traveled to Poland for work but rarely stayed long at any job.

"Lately she would take a position and quit after two or three days. She couldn’t settle in. She was looking for any way to earn money," he said.

Nebytov said a man contacted the woman on Telegram and offered “easy work” with lodging provided. He said the recruiters rarely admit they are Russian or that they are planning sabotage, instead telling emotional stories, for example, claiming they want revenge against a debtor, and probing recruits about their personal lives.

According to Nebytov, the Telegram contact initially suggested setting a car on fire, but she refused, saying it was too difficult. The handler then began preparing her to carry out an attack, influencing her emotional state, giving instructions, and occasionally sending money. Nebytov said the woman bought components, made an explosive mixture herself, and understood what she was doing.

Nebytov said Russian recruiters typically look for people in difficult circumstances — destitution, displacement, loss of housing, business, work, or family — which makes them vulnerable to recruitment through modern communication tools, particularly Telegram.

The Lviv attack occurred overnight on Feb. 22. Officer Viktoriia Shpylka, 23, was killed in the explosions. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said 25 people were injured. Eleven remain hospitalized, and six law enforcement officers are in serious condition, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko later wrote on Telegram.

According to the National Police, a call reporting a break-in at a store on Danylyshyna Street was received around 12:30 a.m. When a patrol unit arrived, an explosion occurred. A second blast followed once another crew reached the scene.