A 32-year-old Russian woman, Margarita Reutt, has been accused by Russian authorities of assassinating Robert Shageev, the deputy commander of a Russian Black Sea fleet submarine brigade, in Sevastopol on August 13. Shageev was killed instantly when a bomb, reportedly containing 500g of TNT, detonated from a rubbish bin as he walked past in naval uniform.
Russian police detained Reutt, a resident of Sochi, within hours of the explosion. Investigators stated they found a remote control they believe was used to detonate the bomb. According to the FSB security service, Reutt confessed to the attack, claiming a handler linked to Ukrainian intelligence promised her a large cryptocurrency payment and documents to leave Russia.
These assertions from Russian security agencies could not be independently verified. Kyiv has not commented on the bombing or Reutt's alleged role. Friends and acquaintances described Reutt as determined and adventurous, with some noting her attitude towards Russia had gradually hardened.