The first purposeful assassination attempt in Monaco’s history? Ukrainian oligarch among the victims

On Monday at around 9 p.m., an explosion occurred on Rue Révérend-Père-Louis-Frolla, near the French border in Monaco. According to investigators’ preliminary findings, it was a deliberate attack involving an improvised explosive device left at the entrance to a residential building.

Three people were injured in the explosion. Two of them are in critical condition, while a 13-year-old boy sustained minor injuries. Four other people were also taken to hospital; they had not suffered physical injuries but required assistance due to severe stress caused by the blast. Monegasque authorities have not yet confirmed the identities of the injured, but French media, including BFMTV, report that all the victims are Ukrainian citizens.

According to Agence France-Presse, one of the seriously injured individuals is Ukrainian businessman Vadym Yermolaiev. In 2023, he was placed under sanctions by Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council, which accused him of conducting business activity in Russian-occupied Crimea. At this stage of the investigation, however, there is no evidence indicating any link between the attack and the war in Ukraine or Yermolaiev’s business activities.

Monaco’s security services are reviewing surveillance footage. Cameras reportedly recorded a man leaving what was likely a backpack or package at the entrance to the building before walking away from the scene. According to French media, the perpetrator may have fled on foot toward France, which is why he is also being sought by French police. 

Investigators are currently trying to establish the suspect’s identity, analyzing the design of the explosive device used, and examining whether Vadym Yermolaiev was specifically the target of the attack. The perpetrator’s motive remains unknown.

The first assassination attempt in Monaco's history

Monaco’s Minister of State, Christophe Mirmand, assessed that the explosion was likely an assassination attempt, stressing that, to his knowledge, the Principality had not previously experienced a similar act of violence. The attack was condemned by Prince Albert II, who assured the full support of the authorities for the services conducting the investigation. Messages of solidarity also came from France, whose officers are supporting the operation being carried out by Monaco’s police. 

The case has attracted significant public attention because Monaco is regarded as one of the safest countries in Europe. For now, investigators are not ruling on whether the explosion was politically motivated, part of a business-related settling of scores, or an attempted contract killing. The investigation is ongoing, and the authorities are calling for restraint and urging the public not to draw premature conclusions until the first stage of the inquiry has been completed.