A NEWLYWED police officer has been killed in a deadly blast in Ukraine – with authorities now investigating the “terror” attack.
Viktoria Shpylka, 23, died in the horror explosion in Lviv which also injured at least 25 others.
The “terrorist attack” saw at least two explosions take place near the city centre after police responded to reports of a late-night break-in, authorities said.
The first blast occurred after cops arrived at the scene and the second came after another round of cops responded to the initial explosion.
A patrol car and civilian vehicle were also damaged in the assault while nearly two dozen were left injured.
Tributes poured in for the late officer, with police saying: “Her colleagues remember her as sensitive, bright and sincere.
“She knew how to support, listen and find a kind word even on the hardest of days.”
They added that Viktoria married last year, and posted pictures of her at her wedding as well as on duty.
Shocking footage showed the aftermath of the deadly explosion which rocked the western Ukrainian city.
Plumes of smoke were seen billowing as bystanders ran to help those caught in the blast.
One suspect has been arrested following the fatal explosion, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) confirmed.
They said: “Police together with the SBU detained the alleged terrorist who attacked law enforcement officers in Lviv.
“Further operational measures and investigative actions are ongoing. We are identifying other persons involved in committing this crime.”
The detained suspect is a woman and Ukrainian citizen, Lviv Mayor Andrii Sadovyi said.
Authorities are still probing the exact circumstances of the alleged attack.
Local police confirmed that Viktoria Shpylka, 23, originally from Volyn, had tragically died in the blast.
Viktoria graduated from Lviv State University of Internal Affairs before joining the patrol police force.
She began her career in the Kherson region and had been serving in the Lviv region since 2023.
Ukrainian police said: “During the night terror attack in Lviv, patrolwoman Viktoriia Shpylka was killed. She is forever 23.
“A girl from Volyn, she served in Kherson and Lviv regions. Just last year she got married. Bright, sincere, faithful to her Oath.
“Today her future has been cut short. We remember. We will not forgive. Forever in the ranks.”
Ihor Klymenko, Ukraine’s minister of internal affairs, said: “There is every reason to believe that the crime was carried out on the orders of Russia.
“It’s not the first time that the enemy has deliberately set up deadly traps for Ukrainian law enforcement officers.”
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said: “My condolences to the families.
“All necessary resources have been provided to the investigation.”
Breaking news… More to follow…
