A devastating terrorist attack struck the western Ukrainian city of Lviv in the early hours of Sunday, resulting in the death of a 23-year-old police officer and injuring 25 others, including multiple law enforcement personnel. Ukrainian authorities confirmed the incident involved strategically planted explosive devices designed to target first responders.
According to the National Police of Ukraine, the sequence of events began when police crews responded to a reported break-in at a central Lviv shop shortly after midnight. The initial explosion detonated as the first police vehicle arrived on scene. A subsequent blast occurred when additional officers responded to the incident, indicating a calculated ambush targeting emergency personnel.
The victim was identified as Officer Viktoria Shpylka, who had commenced her service with the national police at the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion. National police commemorated her service in a Telegram post, noting her dedication during the Kherson region operations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the detention of a primary suspect identified as a 33-year-old Ukrainian woman from the Rivne region. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko indicated ongoing investigations to identify additional accomplices, while the regional prosecutor’s office has launched a formal terrorism investigation.
The attack resulted in eleven hospitalizations, including six law enforcement officers in serious condition. The explosives were concealed within waste bins near the incident location, according to police findings.
This security incident occurred amid continued Russian military aggression, with Ukraine reporting interception of 50 missiles and nearly 300 drones during overnight attacks targeting energy infrastructure, residential areas, and railway systems. The Kyiv region reported one civilian fatality and two hospitalizations from these separate attacks.