Russian Escort Reportedly Blows Up Ukrainian Traitor Turned Russian Navy Officer in Sevastopol

A 32-year-old Russian woman who reportedly worked as an escort has been detained in temporarily occupied Crimea and accused of planting an explosive device that killed Robert Shageev, a former Ukrainian naval officer who defected to Russia following the 2014 invasion of Crimea.

According to the New York Post on August 14, citing Russian sources, Margarita Reut was arrested in Sevastopol after an explosive device hidden in a trash bin detonated as Shageev walked past, killing the 49-year-old at the scene.

Russian authorities placed Reut in custody on a terrorism charge resulting in death, the New York Post reported. She reportedly confessed after her arrest. When asked whether she regretted the killing, Reut answered “no,” according to Russian Telegram channel Mash, which was cited by New York Post.

Reports cited by the New York Post said Reut had appeared on escort websites and previously lived in both Yaroslavl and Sochi, while regularly traveling to Crimea.

Russian sources alleged that she acted on instructions from Ukrainian intelligence, although the circumstances under which she may have established contact with Ukrainian services remain unclear. Ukrainian authorities have not publicly claimed responsibility for the explosion.

The New York Post also reported that Reut had previously come to the attention of Russian authorities in July 2025. While traveling by train from Samara to Adler following a Ukrainian drone strike on a railway station in Russia’s Rostov region, she reportedly shouted, “serves you right, Russians!”

She was detained for two days after that incident and fined approximately $365 for allegedly “discrediting” the Russian military, according to reports cited by the outlet.

Shageev had been wanted by Ukraine on suspicion of high treason over his role during Russia’s 2014 invasion of Crimea. At the time, he served as acting commander of the Zaporizhzhia, then Ukraine’s only submarine.

According to the New York Post, Shageev surrendered the vessel during the Russian takeover of Crimea and subsequently joined Russian forces. He was later accused of serving with Russia’s Black Sea Fleet during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Read more

Category

War in Ukraine

Commander of Ukraine’s Only Submarine Who Defected to Russia Reportedly Killed in Crimea

Aug 13, 2026 13:44

Russian sources have claimed that Reut intended to leave the country following the bombing. If convicted on the terrorism charge, she could face up to 30 years in prison, according to the reports.

At the time, Ukraine’s military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov confirmed that Ukrainian operatives occasionally worked with sex workers and escort models to obtain information otherwise out of reach, saying such cooperation was voluntary and situational.

Protect Ukrainian Skies

Subscribe to Sky Defense