Activist and volunteer Sternenko sustains injuries in assault; suspect apprehended in aftermath
A Fresh Take
Activist and military volunteer Serhii Sternenko, a prominent figure in Ukraine, was recently involved in a violent shooting incident. On May 1, Sternenko shared the news on Telegram, stating he was luckily unscathed and his life was not in peril. The perpetrator was promptly apprehended by the SBU, the Security Service of Ukraine.
Sternenko, known for his outspoken anti-Russian sentiments, was targeted in an apparent assassination attempt. A chilling video of the incident was published by Ukrainska Pravda on the same day, showing a woman firing at Sternenko as he exits a residential building. The quick thinking of his companions prevented the attack from being fatal.
The SBU identified the attacking woman as a Russian agent, who had been remotely recruited while seeking "quick money" online. In the weeks leading up to the attack, she had been monitoring Sternenko and had acquired firearms from a hidden cache. Authorities discovered evidence of her collaboration with Russia and components for an improvised explosive device during a search. She is now facing up to 15 years in prison.
Serhii Sternenko, born in Odesa Oblast in 1979 and registered in Kyiv, is best known for his activism during the EuroMaidan Revolution (2013–2014), his unwavering support for Ukraine’s defense efforts against Russia, and his work procuring drones for military use. He heads one of the largest non-governmental initiatives supplying FPV drones to frontline troops, providing crucial reconnaissance and attack capabilities against Russian positions.
Over the years, Sternenko has faced multiple assassination attempts, four of which occurred since 2018, including the latest in May 2025. His controversial history and vocal activism have made him a recurring target for Russian operatives. Despite these challenges, Sternenko continues his work, also maintaining a popular YouTube channel and a widely-read Telegram channel.
In 2018, Sternenko was involved in a fatal altercation with an assailant. The case was closed in December 2023. It remains unclear who orchestrated the attacks aimed at silencing Sternenko throughout the years.
This latest incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers facing those who stand up for their country against foreign aggression. Sternenko’s resilience, however, continues to inspire many in Ukraine and beyond.
- Despite facing multiple assassination attempts, Serhii Sternenko continues his activism, including maintaining a popular YouTube channel and a widely-read Telegram channel.
- In the weeks leading up to the attack on Serhii Sternenko, the attacking woman, confirmed as a Russian agent, had been monitoring Sternenko and had acquired firearms from a hidden cache.
- The SBU identified a video published by Ukrainska Pravda on May 1, showing a woman firing at Sternenko as he exits a residential building, as a chilling depiction of the attempted assassination of Serhii Sternenko.
- Most recently, Serhii Sternenko, a prominent figure in Ukraine known for his anti-Russian sentiments, was involved in a violent shooting incident on May 1, 2025, which was reported on his Telegram channel.
