Three injured in Monaco explosion, including Ukrainian oligarch

On June 30, 2026, an explosion occurred near the border between Monaco and France, resulting in three injured individuals. Among them was reportedly Vadim Yermak, a Ukrainian oligarch who has been under Ukrainian sanctions since December 2023. The blast took place around 9 PM local time near the entrance of a residential building. Surveillance footage captured a person placing a backpack near the building before fleeing on foot toward the nearby French town of Beausoleil.

The explosion caused severe injuries to a couple in their fifties or sixties, while a 13-year-old child, likely related to the pair, sustained less serious injuries. Authorities have not disclosed the identities of the victims but confirmed that two individuals were in critical condition. The incident has shocked the entire principality of Monaco, with Prince Albert II describing it as a “vile crime” that left the entire Monégasque community in shock. According to reports, this was the first such incident in the principality's history.

French emergency services were deployed to the scene to provide assistance, and a joint police operation was launched to track down the suspect who fled into France. The French Ministry of the Interior confirmed collaboration with Monégasque authorities in the investigation. A source close to the inquiry told AFP that one of the injured individuals was indeed Vadim Yermak, a Ukrainian oligarch and real estate investor. Yermak had been sanctioned by Ukraine since December 2023 due to his business activities on the occupied Crimean Peninsula. He had previously renounced his Ukrainian citizenship and obtained Cypriot nationality several years ago.

Yermak’s involvement in the incident has raised questions about potential motives behind the attack. His business dealings on Crimea, which are considered illegal by Ukrainian authorities, have placed him under international scrutiny. However, there is currently no official confirmation linking Yermak directly to the explosion or its cause. The investigation remains ongoing, with police still searching for suspects.

The location of the explosion—near the border with France—has complicated the investigation, as it involves cross-border cooperation between French and Monégasque authorities. The area where the blast occurred is known for being frequented by high-profile individuals and tourists, adding to the gravity of the situation. Local officials emphasized the need for calm and security in the wake of the incident, with Prince Albert II expressing concern over the safety of the principality’s residents.

In response to the attack, the Monégasque government has increased security measures in public areas, particularly near borders and popular tourist spots. Officials have also called for unity among citizens during this challenging period. Meanwhile, the focus remains on identifying the perpetrator and determining the motive behind the attack. The case has drawn attention from both national and international media, highlighting the sensitivity of the situation given the involvement of a high-profile individual.

As the investigation continues, authorities are examining surveillance footage and gathering witness statements. The possibility of a larger conspiracy or connection to broader geopolitical tensions involving Ukraine and other regions remains under consideration. While no arrests have been made yet, the search for the suspect is ongoing, with police working closely with their French counterparts to trace the individual’s movements after the explosion. The outcome of the probe will determine whether this incident is an isolated act or part of a more complex narrative involving international actors.