Terrorist Ambush In Lviv Leaves 23 Year Old Officer Dead Amid Deadly IED Blasts

A 23-year-old police officer was killed and 25 people were injured following a double explosion in central Lviv during the early hours of February 22.

According to the National Police of Ukraine, the incident is being investigated as a coordinated terrorist act involving improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The events began at approximately 00:30 AM when police received a report of a break-in at a store on Danylyshyna Street. An initial explosion occurred shortly after a patrol crew arrived at the scene.

A second blast followed as backup units reached the location to assist. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko stated during a press briefing that the second explosion caused significantly more casualties as emergency services had already gathered at the site.

Minister Klymenko officially stated that investigators are considering Russian involvement in the terrorist act. Describing the attack as a “challenge to civilized society,” the Minister noted that the aggressor state acts not only on the frontline but also through sabotage within the country.

The National Police identified the fallen officer as Viktoriia Shpylka, a 23-year-old patrol officer originally from the Volyn region. Shpylka had previously served in the Kherson region before transferring to Lviv in 2023. Officials noted that she was married to a fellow patrol officer last autumn.

As reported by the National Police and regional authorities, the number of injured has risen to 25 individuals. The victims include members of the National Police, the National Guard, and several civilians. According to Minister Klymenko, 11 people remain hospitalized, with six in critical condition. “Doctors are currently fighting for their lives,” Klymenko added.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) in the Lviv region has launched a pre-trial investigation under Part 2 of Article 258 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which pertains to a terrorist act resulting in grave consequences.

Authorities confirmed that a female suspect believed to be the perpetrator has been detained. Investigations are ongoing to identify other accomplices involved in the organization of the attack.

Regional Governor Maksym Kozytskyi confirmed that specialized explosive technicians and forensic teams remain active at the crime scene. In addition to the casualties, the explosions caused damage to police service vehicles and nearby civilian property.

Earlier the same day, Russia launched a large-scale aerial assault across Ukraine, deploying nearly 300 drones and 50 missiles, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. Air defenses intercepted most of the 345 detected targets, but authorities confirmed strikes in several regions, including Kyiv and Odesa, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to energy infrastructure.

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