Authorities in Monaco and France have started an investigation following an attempted assassination of Ukrainian entrepreneur Vadym Yermolayev. A search is currently active for an individual suspected of triggering a homemade explosive device on Monday evening in Monaco, an event that caused injuries to multiple people.
Reports from French media indicate the blast struck Yermolayev alongside his partner and their teenage son. Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the injured parties were members of a single Ukrainian family. Monaco prosecutors noted they had briefly detained a foreign national, though that individual was later released without charge.
Prosecutor General Stéphane Thibault stated on Wednesday that a joint operation between Monaco and French police is ongoing to identify the perpetrator and analyze the explosive materials. While one victim has provided statements to French officials, the remaining two individuals involved remain too incapacitated for questioning.
Prince Albert II of Monaco condemned the attack as a disgraceful act. Meanwhile, reporting from Le Figaro suggests investigators are examining potential links to the Ukrainian Security Service. Yermolayev, who moved to the principality in 2021, faced sanctions from the Ukrainian government in 2023 related to business operations in Crimea following its annexation by Russia.
