Explosion in Monaco: Ukrainian businessman among victims
A Ukrainian multi-millionaire, his partner, and their teenage son were injured in a makeshift bomb explosion in Monaco on Monday, June 29. The device, filled with bolts and buckshot, detonated shortly before 9 p.m. local time after a man was captured on video surveillance dropping a backpack at the entrance of a residential building, according to French media outlets.
Ukrainian oligarch Vadym Yermolaiev was hurt in the blast, a source close to the investigation told AFP, as reported by France24. His partner and 13-year-old son were also wounded, according to Monaco Daily News.
Life-threatening injuries for couple
Monaco's Minister of State Christophe Mirmand told AFP that the “deliberate explosion” left the couple, aged in their 50s and 60s, in life-threatening condition. The teen suffered less serious injuries. Officials have not yet disclosed their identities. “This is the first time in history, to my knowledge, that such an act has taken place in the principality,” Mirmand said.
Emergency responders treated four others for shock and cuts after windows shattered in the chaotic blast along the border of France, France24 reported.
Background of the victim
Yermolaiev is a multi-millionaire living in Monaco who had sanctions slapped on him by Kyiv beginning in December 2023 — reportedly stemming from his alcohol business activity in Russian-occupied Crimea, the outlet said. The motive for the attack is not yet known.
Eric Ciotti, the right-wing mayor of nearby Nice, wrote on X that “the attack committed this evening is a tragedy for Monaco.” “Thoughts for the victims, their families, and the people of Monaco. Total support for the security forces and emergency services mobilized,” he added.
