Ukrainian Oligarch Injured in Rare Bomb Attack in Monaco

A bomb explosion injured three people, including Ukrainian real estate oligarch Vadim Yermolaev and his family, at a residential building entrance in Monaco on Monday evening. The blast occurred around 9 p.m. near the French border, with two victims critically wounded and a 13-year-old boy sustaining lighter injuries. Authorities suspect the attack involved an improvised explosive device containing screws and metal balls, intended to maximize damage. Security footage captured a suspect placing a bag at the building lobby before fleeing on foot toward the French border, where a joint Monaco-France manhunt is underway.

Monaco's State Minister Christophe Mirman described the incident as "very likely an attack" and unprecedented in the principality's history. Prosecutor Thibault Stefan confirmed the suspect left the package before escaping. The motive for targeting this specific building remains unclear. Although not officially confirmed, Ukrainian media reported that Yermolaev, who was sanctioned by Ukraine in 2023 for alleged ties to Russia, was among the injured. Prince Albert II condemned the attack as "despicable," mobilizing all security and emergency forces to ensure public safety. The investigation is ongoing with no motive disclosed yet.