Video Shows Assassination Attempt on Ukrainian Businessman in Monaco

Ukrainian prosecutors have released security footage capturing the moment of a failed assassination attempt on Ukrainian businessman Vadim Ermolaev and his family in Monaco on June 29. The video shows a man placing a bag near the entrance of Ermolaev's building before the businessman and his family arrive.

As Ermolaev and his family ascend the stairs to their apartment, the explosive device detonates forcefully. The footage, lasting less than a minute, clearly shows the blast occurring just as they entered the building. Ukrainian Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko stated that investigators recovered crucial evidence that the suspects attempted to destroy.

Ermolaev, his wife Anna Nasobina, and their son survived the blast and are hospitalized with varying degrees of injury. Nasobina, 46, reportedly suffered the amputation of both legs. However, Anastasia Berezovska, a 39-year-old Ukrainian woman suspected of planting the explosive, was found dead in Ukraine following the attack. Two other suspects, identified as a former police officer and an employee of Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR), have been arrested.

Monaco's prosecutor, Stéphane Thibault, indicated that all investigative avenues remain open, with no determination yet on the origin of the explosive or the motive. Ermolaev, who became a Cypriot citizen nine years ago, is a prominent figure in Dnipro, with significant assets in agribusiness, real estate, construction materials, and medical equipment. Ukrainian authorities had previously investigated Ermolaev for alleged money laundering and financing businesses in Crimea, with alleged ties to Russia. He also faced sanctions from the Ukrainian government.

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This was not a warning. It was an attempt to kill me and my family.