Explosion in Monaco Ukrainian oligarch among the wounded

Three individuals were injured in a powerful explosion at a residence in Monaco on Monday evening, according to local media reports. Two of them sustained serious injuries, while the third suffered minor wounds. The victims are reportedly Ukrainian citizens belonging to the same family. According to local authorities, the incident most likely constitutes an attack, marking the first such occurrence in the principality's history, as stated by Monaco’s Prime Minister, Christophe Mirmand, during an interview with AFP.

The explosion took place around 9 PM local time near the border with France, specifically in Rue Révérend-Père-Louis-Frolla. A man was seen abandoning a backpack outside the house shortly before the blast occurred. The suspect fled the scene on foot, prompting police to initiate a large-scale search operation. Local media reported that the explosion caused damage to windows, resulting in several people sustaining minor cuts from flying glass. Four additional individuals were treated by emergency responders but did not suffer significant injuries.

Among the injured was Vadim Yermolayev, a prominent Ukrainian oligarch who has been linked to real estate development in Dnipro. He was reportedly in the house with his partner and their son when the bomb detonated. Yermolayev relocated to Monaco after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. According to AFP, he had previously renounced his Ukrainian citizenship in 2017 and held a Cypriot passport. However, Ukrainian authorities imposed sanctions against him in 2023, citing alleged involvement in alcohol-related activities on Crimea following its annexation by Russia in 2014.

According to reports from the Russian outlet Meduza, referencing Ukrainian sources, the incident is believed to be an assassination attempt targeting Yermolayev. His net worth was estimated at $221 million by Ukrainian Forbes in 2022. Despite claims of having relinquished his Ukrainian nationality, Yermolayev remains a figure of interest in international legal discussions due to his business dealings and political affiliations.

Prince Albert II condemned the incident as "an abhorrent crime" in a statement released early Tuesday. He emphasized that the principality would remain united and resolute against violence and criminality, reaffirming the importance of community safety. In response to the attack, security measures have been heightened in Monaco, which already maintains strict surveillance over its two-square-kilometer territory. An emergency protocol known as the “red plan” has been activated, allowing for a gradual increase in resources during incidents that could affect many people.

Local residents expressed shock and concern over the event. Luiz Felipe Iani, a 24-year-old resident, remarked that such occurrences are typically associated with regions like Europe or Brazil, where he originates from, making the incident particularly unsettling in Monaco. Twelve-year-old James recounted playing tennis with friends when the explosion occurred, describing the sound as enormous followed by a loud siren.

Nice Mayor Éric Ciotti commented on social media about the attack, expressing solidarity with the victims, their families, and the people of Monaco. He extended support to the security forces and emergency services mobilized in response to the incident. As investigations continue, the focus remains on identifying the perpetrator and understanding the motives behind this unprecedented act of violence within the principality.