Monaco explosion injures Ukrainian oligarch, triggers manhunt in first suspected terrorist attack
A backpack explosion in Monaco on Monday evening critically injured Ukrainian oligarch Vadym Yermolayev and two others, prompting a cross-border manhunt for a suspect. Authorities called it the first terror attack in the principality's history.
What happened
An explosion from a backpack left at the entrance of a residential building on Rue Révérend Père Louis Frolla in the La Rousse - Saint-Roman district of Monaco occurred just before 21:00 local time on Monday, June 29. Three people were physically injured: a Ukrainian couple aged between 50 and 60 and a 13-year-old boy. The man and woman are in critical condition, while the teenager suffered lighter injuries. Four other individuals were hospitalized due to shock but were not physically harmed.
The injured man was identified as Vadym Yermolayev, a Ukrainian oligarch. All three physically injured are Ukrainian citizens.
The suspect and manhunt
Surveillance footage captured a man leaving a backpack at the building entrance shortly before the blast. The suspect is described as wearing beige trousers, a black jacket, and a black hat that partially obscured his face. A joint search by Monegasque and French authorities is underway, involving approximately 40 French soldiers and two helicopters. The trail was lost near Beausoleil, France, just across the border.
It is probably a terrorist attack. To my knowledge, this is the first time in history such an act has occurred in the Principality of Monaco.
A first for the principality
Minister of State Christophe Mirmand described the incident as a likely terrorist attack, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the event in Monaco. Prince Albert II issued a statement expressing solidarity with the victims and shock across the community. Nice Mayor Eric Ciotti wrote on social media that the attack was "a tragedy for Monaco." All those physically hurt were transported to hospitals in Nice.
The explosion that occurred this evening in Monaco has shaken the entire community of Monaco. My thoughts are first and foremost with the victims, their families and the residents directly affected by this shameful act. Princess Charlène, my family and I wish to express our deepest sympathy and unwavering support.
Who is Vadym Yermolayev?
Vadym Yermolayev is a Ukrainian businessman who once ranked 24th (2015) and 45th (2021) on Forbes Ukraine's list of the country's richest people. He built wealth through real estate development in Dnipro and alcohol production, particularly wine. In 2019 he renounced Ukrainian citizenship and obtained Cypriot nationality. Ukraine sanctioned him in December 2023 for continuing alcohol sales in Russian-occupied Crimea. The Ukrainian Security Service included him on a list of 84 citizens suspected of having fled the country. He had taken up residence on the French Riviera, a favored destination for wealthy individuals from Ukraine and Russia due to Monaco's no income-tax policy for most residents.
