A deliberate explosion in Monaco on Monday (June 29) wounded Ukrainian oligarch Vadym Yermolaiev and two others, including a teenager, authorities confirmed. The blast occurred around 9:00 pm local time in a residential building near the French border, marking the first such incident in Monaco's history.
Core Facts & Immediate Action
Authorities described the explosion as a deliberate act, with a suspect leaving a bag or package in the building's lobby before fleeing. Public prosecutor Stéphane Thibault stated the device contained bolts and buckshot, causing severe injuries to a couple in their 50s or 60s and a 13-year-old. Monaco's Prince Albert II condemned the attack as a "heinous crime."
Deeper Dive & Context
Investigation Details
French and Monacan police launched a joint manhunt for the suspect, described as a man in a black hat, track suit, and white jeans. Surveillance footage showed him dropping the bag before fleeing. Authorities have not yet identified a motive or confirmed whether the building was targeted.
Victim Background
Yermolaiev, a multi-millionaire Monaco resident, was sanctioned by Kyiv in December 2023 over alleged ties to Ukraine's alcohol industry. The couple and teenager injured in the blast were reportedly Ukrainian nationals, though their identities remain undisclosed.
Official Responses
Monaco's Minister of State Christophe Mirmand initially called the incident an "attack" but later softened the language to "deliberate explosion." French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez confirmed the suspect had fled, while local officials, including Nice Mayor Eric Ciotti, condemned the violence.
Security Implications
The explosion is unprecedented in Monaco, a principality known for its low crime rates. Authorities emphasized the rarity of such violence, with Mirmand stating, "This is the first time in history... such an act has taken place here."
Medical Response
Emergency services treated four additional people for shock and cuts from shattered windows. The critically injured were transported to Pasteur Hospital in Nice, while the teenager received on-site care.