Ukraine-Russia Tensions Escalate Amid Strikes

Ukraine has increased its aerial attacks, targeting deep inside Russia. Recent drone strikes hit a refinery in Russian-controlled Crimea and an oil tank in Moscow. These moves seem to be a message to Moscow, indicating stalled peace negotiations between the two countries.

Interpol’s Red Notice

Interpol issued a red notice for Anastasiia Berezovska, a 39-year-old Ukrainian woman. She is suspected of bombing an apartment building in Monaco. This explosion targeted Vadym Yermolaiev, a construction magnate linked to Russia.

The explosion occurred on June 30, injuring Yermolaiev. Media reports claim other victims include a woman and a 13-year-old child related to him. Monaco’s public prosecutor, Stéphane Thibault, confirmed multiple injuries without naming the victims.

Details of the Incident

Berezovska is wanted for attempted murder, placing an explosive device on a public highway with criminal intent, and criminal association. According to Interpol, she speaks German and might have a snake tattoo on her arm.

He stood up a few meters ahead of the victims, placed an explosive device taken from his shopping bag on the entrance steps of the building, then turned to confirm the presence of the three victims before triggering the explosion using a remote control, Deputy Prosecutor Morgan Raymond said at an initial news conference.

Initially, the suspect was believed to be a man. Surveillance showed a man with a fishing hat casing the area before the explosion. On June 28, surveillance captured a woman repeating his actions, now suspected to be Berezovska.

Investigation Progress

Investigators traced Berezovska’s escape from Monaco, through France and Italy, into Germany. Authorities raided her Frankfurt apartment recently. Prosecutors believe the complexity of the bomb indicates she had accomplices.

The relative sophistication of the explosive device and the modus operandi appear to indicate that the person who placed the device was not acting alone, said Raymond.

Background on Vadym Yermolaiev

While officials haven’t stated a motive, Yermolaiev’s background is noteworthy. He renounced Ukrainian citizenship in 2017 and became a Cypriot citizen in 2019. In 2023, Ukraine sanctioned him for maintaining ties with Russia through his business in Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014.

Related Context: Russia recently launched nearly 600 missiles and drones on Kyiv, marking the deadliest strike since May.