On TV channel 112, Yuriy Tandit, adviser to the head of the Security Service of Ukraine, claimed that Ukrainian investigators are examining six possible explanations for the murder of Pavel Sheremet.

“We already have six [motives]. I can only speak about four previous motives,” Tandit stated, noting that the investigation will also consider a possible explanation brought forth by member of Ukrainian Parliament Serhiy Vysotsky, who suggested that the murder of Sheremet could be the start of a special operation to disrupt Ukraine’s national security.

“What member of Ukrainian Parliament Vysotsky said is of great importance. And I can confirm that one of the main motives being considered by security forces is [that the murder was] an attempt to destabilize national security. In addition to the murder, unfortunately, other news stories will also be used to show that there are no authorities in Ukraine and that security forces have no control over the situation,” Tandit said.

Earlier, Tandit stated that security officials were considering four main possible explanations for the murder: professional activities, personal motives, a “Russian trace” [destabilization of security] and an attempt on Olena Prytula, owner of the influential online newspaper Ukrayinskaya Pravda [Ukrainian Truth].

Journalist Pavel Sheremet died on Wednesday morning when the car he was in exploded. The car belonged to Prytula, Sheremet's partner.

The explosive device was planted close to the driver’s seat. Police classified the incident as “premeditated murder committed in a manner dangerous to the lives of many people.”

Among other explanations behind the murder of Sheremet, police are considering the possibility that Prytula was the intended target.

President Petro Poroshenko ordered Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin to invite Europol to participate in the investigation.

Earlier, representatives from the FBI also agreed to participate in the investigation.

  Ukraine

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