Monaco explosion likely terror attack, injures Ukrainian oligarch

A backpack explosion on a street in Monaco injured three people, including Ukrainian oligarch Vadim Ermolaev, with authorities investigating it as a probable terrorist act. The blast occurred in the La Rousse – Saint-Roman district, critically injuring Ermolaev and a woman. A 13-year-old boy also sustained lighter injuries.

Monaco's minister of state, Christophe Mirmand, stated it was likely a terrorist attack, noting it was the first such incident in the principality's history. The French interior ministry confirmed that French and Monégasque police are jointly searching for a suspect who allegedly left the explosive device. Surveillance footage reportedly shows a man placing the package near a residential building shortly before the explosion.

“

This is probably a terrorist attack.

Sources indicate all victims were Ukrainian citizens. Ermolaev, an oligarch involved in the agri-food sector, was sanctioned by Kyiv in December 2023 for continuing business activities in Russian-occupied Crimea. Monaco is a popular residence for wealthy individuals, including many from Russia and Ukraine, due to its attractive tax system.

“

The attack that occurred in the evening is a tragedy for Monaco.