Ukrainian Security Service Completes Investigation into Attempted Murder of Activist Serhiy Sternenko: Woman Charged with Treason and Attempted Murder

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has concluded its pre-trial investigation regarding the attempted assassination of well-known volunteer and activist Serhiy Sternenko. The indictment was officially submitted to the court on Friday, April 3, 2025. This case has garnered significant public attention in Ukraine, as Sternenko is a prominent figure advocating for human rights and fighting against corruption.

The accused in this case, a woman, faces multiple charges under the Criminal Code of Ukraine, including Article 111 (treason), Article 115 (completed attempted murder for mercenary motives, committed by a group of individuals in conspiracy), and Article 263 (illegal possession and storage of firearms and ammunition). The severity of the charges carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

According to investigation findings, the woman, a resident of Kyiv, was recruited by Russian intelligence services. In April 2025, under the direction of her Russian handlers, she began to monitor Serhiy Sternenko. To facilitate this, she moved into the same residential complex where the activist lived, indicating a meticulous preparation for the crime.

During the investigation, it was revealed that the woman received a Makarov pistol with ammunition from unidentified individuals in the Kyiv region. Following this, she was instructed by her Russian curator to eliminate the activist. On May 1, 2025, as Serhiy Sternenko was leaving his home, the woman fired several shots, one of which struck him in the leg. This attack was thwarted thanks to the prompt actions of the SBU officers, who apprehended the assailant at the scene.

During searches of the detained woman, investigators found a phone containing evidence of her collaboration with Russian intelligence services, as well as components for an improvised explosive device, which she had stored in another apartment. This indicates that the woman was not merely an executor but part of a larger scheme aimed at destabilizing the situation in Ukraine.

Serhiy Sternenko, who at the time of the attack was serving as an advisor to the Minister of Defense of Ukraine, confirmed that he was attacked and sustained a gunshot wound. Following the incident, the activist underwent surgery, and the bullet that struck his leg exited, preventing more serious consequences.

According to information provided by Ukrainian Truth, the assailant, born in 1979 and originally from the Odesa region, was registered and residing in Kyiv at the time of the attack. On May 2, 2025, she was officially notified of suspicion under two articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine—attempted murder and treason. Her lawyer reported that the woman admitted her guilt and agreed to cooperate with the investigation, which may indicate potential further inquiries and the exposure of other individuals involved in this crime.

This incident further underscores the threats faced by activists in Ukraine, particularly amid external aggression and subversive activities from Russian intelligence services. The Security Service of Ukraine continues its efforts to ensure the safety of citizens and protect the national interests of the country.