Activist in Ukraine critically hurt in suspected assassination, arrest made of suspect involved
Ukrainian activist and volunteer Serhii Sternenko narrowly escaped death in a harrowing firearm attack on May 1, 2025, in Kyiv. A woman, identified as the attacker, had been keeping tabs on Sternenko's movements before striking as he left his residential building[1][3][5]. Thankfully, Sternenko sustained a non-fatal gunshot wound, saying, "The bullet went through. It didn’t hit anything vital"[3].
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) swooped in quickly, detaining the assailant on-site, and according to Sternenko, they were instrumental in saving his life[2][3]. Footage obtained by Ukrainska Pravda shows the assailant firing before being tackled by one of Sternenko’s companions[3][4].
Whilst the SBU has yet to disclose more details about the attacker's motives or affiliations, Sternenko accused the Russians of being involved, though no official link between the attack and Russian involvement has been confirmed[3][4].
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security risks for activists in Ukraine. Sternenko, a well-known figure in the Ukrainian volunteer movement, has played a significant role in raising funds to help the military and popularizing first-person view (FPV) drones. Since the beginning of Russia's war against Ukraine, he has raised funds for over 550 military units[2].
In January 2025, he launched the Sternenko Community Foundation, which focused on supplying equipment to the frontline. Reports state that the foundation raised funds to purchase over 176,000 FPV drones by May 1st of the same year[2].
Sternenko has garnered a massive following on social media channels like YouTube and Telegram, where he boasts 2 million subscribers and 840,000 followers, respectively[2]. This charismatic activist was a key player in Ukraine's 2014 Revolution of Dignity, also known as the Maidan Revolution, and has faced multiple attacks[2].
In 2018, Sternenko defended himself against an attacker, resulting in the latter's death. A court case involving Sternenko was closed in December 2023[2]. Stay tuned for further updates on this harrowing incident and the ongoing situation in Ukraine.
- Armed Forces of Ukraine
- Russia's invasion of Ukraine
- War in Ukraine
References:
[1] Ukrainska Pravda. (2025, May 1). Telegram user Serhii Sternenko posts photo with gunshot wound after apparent assassination attempt. Ukrainska Pravda. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/05/1/7346866/
[2] BBC News. (2025, May 1). Ukraine activist injured in 'assassination attempt'. BBC News. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58790844
[3] Reuters. (2025, May 1). Ukrainian activist Serhii Sternenko shot in attack he calls attempt to kill him. Reuters. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukrainian-activist-serhii-sternenko-shot-attack-he-calls-attempt-kill-him-2025-05-01/
[4] Kyiv Independent. (2025, May 1). Video said to show aftermath of Serhii Sternenko's attack, gunman running away. Kyiv Independent. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://www.kyivindependent.com/ukraine-world/video-said-to-show-aftermath-of-serhii-sternenko-s-attack-gunman-running-away-5888230.html
[5] Interfax-Ukraine. (2025, May 1). SBU: Serhii Sternenko targeted in an assassination attempt in Kyiv. Interfax-Ukraine. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://www.interfax.com.ua/ukr/news/7346823/
- The assault on Ukrainian activist Serhii Sternenko, which occurred on May 1, 2025, in Kyiv, has been linked to war-and-conflicts, politics, and crime-and-justice, given the alleged Russian involvement and Sternenko's notable role in these domains.
- With his vast following on social media platforms like YouTube and Telegram, Sternenko's struggle for accessibility in sharing news about general-news, war-and-conflicts especially, has been significant in shaping public opinion about current events in Ukraine.
- As a prominent figure in both the political and volunteer movements of Ukraine, Sternenko's commendable efforts include raising funds for the military and popularizing first-person view (FPV) drones, which have been instrumental in Ukraine's ongoing war against Russia.
- Beyond his involvement in activism, Sternenko’s professional profile can be found on LinkedIn, showcasing his accomplishments such as launching the Sternenko Community Foundation and raising funds for the purchase of over 176,000 FPV drones in a single year.
