Ucranian Prosecutors Release Video of Monaco Bombing Involving Businessman Yermolaiev

Ukrainian prosecutors have released a surveillance video displaying what they claim is the bombing incident in Monaco that severely injured businessman Vadym Yermolaiev and his family on June 30. This attack significantly impacted the typically quiet, affluent region on the Mediterranean coast.

The motive behind the attack remains unclear. The investigation involves authorities from Monaco, France, Ukraine, and the international police agency Interpol. Anastasiia Berezovska, who allegedly carried out the attack, was found dead in Ukraine days later. According to Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), a military intelligence officer confessed to killing her, claiming he acted independently without orders from his superiors.

In the video shared with The Associated Press, an individual wearing a hat and carrying a bag places an item at a building entrance and then walks away. In the background, a man, a woman, and a child move uphill towards the entrance. Moments later, an explosion occurs as the video blurs. Ukrainian prosecutor Ruslan Kravchenko stated via Telegram that the footage came from a surveillance camera installed by the suspected attackers to ensure the assault was executed. He mentioned that the video was initially deleted but was restored by SBU specialists. Monaco’s prosecution has not responded to inquiries about the video or the investigation’s progress.

Yermolaiev’s lawyers distributed a letter accusing Ukrainian security services of orchestrating the explosion and requesting protection for his family. The letter, shared with French media, alleged that the Ukrainian military intelligence agency was directly involved in an attempt on his family’s lives. Yermolaiev remains hospitalized, stating that his partner Anna sustained “irreversible” injuries, and their 13-year-old son suffered burns and fractures.

Unusually, the letter expressed gratitude to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his personal attention to the case and unspecified assistance, as reported by French media. Zelenskyy’s government sanctioned Yermolaiev in 2023 due to his connections with Russia, although Yermolaiev says he renounced his Ukrainian citizenship. Zelenskyy has not commented on any involvement in the case.