Attentat de Munich, la suspecte est ukrainienne

On June 29, an explosive device detonated near the residence of Vadim Ermolaev, a Ukrainian oligarch who had renounced his Ukrainian citizenship in favor of Cypriot nationality. The attack occurred as Ermolaev was returning home with his wife and their 13-year-old son. The explosion caused significant damage to the building, shattering windows in the area and leaving the family seriously injured. Ermolaev's condition remains critical, while his wife suffered severe injuries, reportedly losing both legs. His son sustained less serious injuries but was also hospitalized. The incident shocked the small principality of Monaco, known for its high standards of security and low crime rates, marking one of the most violent episodes in its history.

The attack took place in a residential complex on the outskirts of Monaco, close to the French border. Surveillance footage captured the suspect placing an object before fleeing toward Beausoleil, a nearby French commune. The object exploded moments after the three occupants of the apartment arrived at the entrance. According to prosecutors, the suspect wore dark clothing, including a black jacket and a hat that covered half of their face. The investigation has since revealed that the suspect was actually a woman, identified as Anastasia Berezovska, a 39-year-old Ukrainian national residing in Germany.

Berezovska was spotted in the days leading up to the attack conducting reconnaissance around Ermolaev’s residence. Investigators noted her repeated visits and prolonged stays near the building, which raised suspicions. On the day of the attack, she allegedly placed the explosive device and then fled, using a rented vehicle registered in Germany. After crossing into France, she reportedly entered Italy, moving through several European countries before returning to Germany. Despite extensive searches, Berezovska remains at large, prompting international cooperation among law enforcement agencies.

The motive behind the attack remains unclear, though investigators have suggested it could be related to Ermolaev's business dealings and political affiliations. As a former major builder in Dnipro, Ukraine, Ermolaev became a target of sanctions imposed by Kyiv in 2023, accusing him of maintaining economic interests in Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. His financial activities, including transactions through Estonian banks and allegations of money laundering, have drawn attention from authorities in multiple jurisdictions.

Monaco’s Prince Albert II condemned the attack as an "odious crime," emphasizing the need for unity and determination against violence. The principality, renowned for its luxury lifestyle and stringent security measures, has faced unprecedented challenges with this incident. Authorities have assured residents that safety remains a top priority, even as they work closely with French and German counterparts to track down Berezovska.

As the investigation continues, the focus shifts to understanding the broader implications of the attack. The involvement of a female perpetrator, disguised as a man, adds complexity to the case. Investigators are examining the possibility of organized criminal networks or personal vendettas. Meanwhile, the international community watches closely, aware that such incidents can have far-reaching consequences for regional stability and diplomatic relations. The search for Berezovska remains ongoing, with authorities hopeful that the cooperation between European nations will lead to her apprehension.