Ukrainian businessman seriously injured in Monaco explosion; 'VIP refugee' targeted

A powerful explosion rocked Monaco on Monday evening, severely injuring Ukrainian businessman Vadim Yermolayev and his partner. Monaco's head of government, Christophe Mirmand, initially suggested the incident might be a terror attack.

Reports indicate Yermolayev, 58, a former Ukrainian oligarch who renounced his citizenship in 2019 to become a Cypriot national, was the primary target. He has been living in Monaco since the start of the war and is described by Le Figaro as a 'VIP refugee.' Since 2023, Yermolayev has been subject to sanctions by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, freezing his assets and barring him from business activities in Ukraine for several years.

The explosion caused serious injuries to Yermolayev and his partner, a woman in her 50s. A 13-year-old, reportedly belonging to the same family, sustained minor injuries. The device used in the attack was reportedly made of bolts and metal pellets.

An intensive manhunt is underway for the suspected bomber, who was seen leaving a bag at the building before fleeing on foot. French police and soldiers, utilizing helicopters, are assisting in the search for the suspect, who was described as wearing beige pants, a black sweater, and a black hat in a widely circulated surveillance image.

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it likely concerns a terror attack.