The ‘ordinary’ woman accused of assassinating a Russian commander in Crimea
Margarita Reutt, a 32-year-old woman, has been detained by Russian authorities for the alleged assassination of a Russian naval commander in Crimea. While Russian security services claim she confessed to acting on behalf of Ukrainian intelligence, friends describe her as an ordinary person with a penchant for risk.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the ongoing covert conflict between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting how individuals are increasingly being recruited for high-stakes sabotage operations behind enemy lines.
Margarita Reutt posted frequently online about health and animal rights. Photograph: Vkontakte Margarita Reutt posted frequently online about health and animal rights. Photograph: Vkontakte Russia The ‘ordinary’ woman accused of assassinating a Russian commander in Crimea Friends close to Margarita Reutt are shocked she could allegedly plant bomb that killed Ukrainian defector Robert Shageev, while others recall a stubborn grit to see any plan through
Pjotr Sauer Sun 23 Aug 2026 00.00 EDT Last modified on Sun 23 Aug 2026 00.01 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google It was just after dawn in Sevastopol when a powerful explosion tore through a quiet square in a residential district of the Russian-occupied Crimean port city.
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