Explosion in Monaco Injures Ukrainian Oligarch and Two Others

An explosion occurred in a residential building near the French border in Monaco at around 9 p.m. local time on Monday, injuring Ukrainian oligarch Vadym Yermolaev and two other individuals, including a teenager. Monaco's Minister of State, Christophe Mirmand, initially called it an "attack" but later described it as a "deliberately set explosion."

Prince Albert II of Monaco labeled the incident a "horrific crime" that has caused "shock throughout the Monegasque community." The prosecutor, Stephane Thibault, stated that a suspect left a bag or package in the building's lobby, though the motive remains unclear. An aide to France's Interior Minister said police are trying to locate the perpetrator, who fled the scene.

According to Mirmand, a couple aged over 50 or 60 sustained life-threatening injuries, while a 13-year-old teenager, likely related to the couple, suffered less severe injuries. Four other people received medical assistance for shock or cuts from shattered glass.

The explosive device contained screws and pellets, aiming to maximize harm, Mirmand added. He noted that this is the first such incident in Monaco's history.

Yermolaev, a multimillionaire residing in Monaco, has been under Ukrainian sanctions since December 2023 for his involvement in alcohol trade in Russia-occupied Crimea.