Suspected Lviv bomber made explosive herself, says journalist
The alleged perpetrator of the terrorist attack in Lviv on the night of February 22, 2026 (Photo: Ihor Klymenko / Telegram)
A woman suspected of carrying out a bombing in central Lviv made the explosive device herself under online guidance from Russia’s Federal Security Service, journalist Vitaliy Hlahola reported, citing sources on Feb. 22.
He said the suspect was detained in the city of Sambir as she was trying to leave Lviv Oblast.
“She is a Ukrainian citizen who arrived from another Oblast. Preliminary information indicates that she made the explosive device herself, following clear online instructions from FSB handlers who recruited her,” said Hlahola in a post on his Telegram channel.
He added that investigative actions are simultaneously under way in another Oblast.
Explosions were reported in Lviv overnight into Feb. 22. Lviv Mayor Andrii Sadovyi said the incident was a terrorist attack in which a police officer was killed.
Fourteen injured people were hospitalized, he said at the time.
The National Police of Ukraine later reported that the number of people wounded in the Lviv attack had risen to 24.
Police said that at about 12:30 a.m. a report was received on the emergency 102 line about a break-in at a shop on Danylyshyna Street.
“After a patrol police unit arrived at the scene, an explosion occurred. Later, when a second patrol arrived, another blast followed,” police said.
Preliminary findings indicate that improvised explosive devices detonated.
Police officer Viktoriia Shpylka, 23, was killed in the attack.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later said the total number of wounded stood at 25. Eleven people remain hospitalized. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko added that six law enforcement officers are in serious condition.
Klymenko also said police, together with the Security Service of Ukraine, had detained the suspected bomber involved in the attack on Lviv police officers.
A criminal case has been opened under Part 2 of Article 258 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code, which covers a terrorist act resulting in grave consequences.
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