A high-profile criminal attack has once again taken place on the Ukrainian scene against well-known civic activist and volunteer Serhiy Sternenko
The attacker, who carried out an assault on the activist the day before, has been officially suspected of treason and attempted murder. This was officially announced by the press service of the Office of the General Prosecutor of Ukraine, as reported by the publication "Suspilne." It is noted that the suspicion was announced even before the court hearing scheduled for May 2 in the Shevchenkivskyi District Court of Kyiv. As part of the process, prosecutors intend to choose a preventive measure for the detained individual—either home arrest or detention—as well as conduct investigative actions to establish all circumstances of the case. Sources from law enforcement agencies clarified that on the eve of the incident, the suspect—a native of 1979 from Odesa region, who is currently registered and residing in Kyiv—was engaged in visual surveillance of the activist. She rented an apartment in the residential complex where Serhiy Sternenko lives, and it is in this location that she could have prepared for the crime. It is known that she received financial support from Russian special services to carry out the attack. According to available information, the money for organizing the attempted murder was transferred to her bank accounts from Russia. The Prosecutor's Office added that the suspect was acting under the orders of foreign intelligence agencies, which is confirmed by investigation materials and collected evidence. Details of this operation are being kept secret, but it is known that external leadership coordinated with this individual. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) confirmed that on May 1 in Kyiv, an attack involving firearms was carried out against Sternenko. As a result of the assault, the activist was wounded and taken to a medical facility. The SBU detained the individual, who, according to their official information, is a suspect in the crime. Video recordings and photographs of the detained person and the weapon used were published in the media, confirming the scale and objectives of this attack. Serhiy Sternenko himself, who was targeted in the May attack, reported that he received a gunshot wound during the incident and called on law enforcement agencies to conduct a rapid and objective investigation. The events surrounding the attack have caused widespread public resonance, as the activist is known for his civic stance and participation in important political and human rights activities in Ukraine. The investigation is currently focused on establishing all motives and possible masterminds behind the crime, as well as identifying all participants and accomplices of the criminal scheme. The primary versions of the investigation include an attempt to intimidate the civic activist and hinder his public activities, as well as political or ideological motives. Ukrainian legislation prescribes strict penalties for those involved in treason and attempted murder, especially when the crime is committed for political or ideological reasons. However, regardless of political views or social standing, such crimes are considered very serious and must receive appropriate legal and societal responses. It is expected that in the coming days, the court will decide on a preventive measure for the suspect, and the investigation will advance in establishing all circumstances of this criminal act. Ukrainian society remains alert, closely monitoring the development of this resonant case, which once again underscores the importance of ensuring the safety of civic activists and combating pro-Russian provocations and scenarios aimed at destabilizing the country.