Monaco blast: Ukrainian oligarch named after backpack bombing
By Zak Jackson, MonacoViews Editorial
Ukrainian businessman Vadim Ermolaev and his family were injured when a backpack bomb detonated in a residential building foyer on Monday evening.
Ukrainian oligarch Vadim Ermolaev has been named as one of the victims of Monday's explosion in Monaco, after sources close to the investigation confirmed his identity. Ermolaev, his partner and their 13-year-old son were injured when a backpack bomb detonated in the foyer of a residential building at around 9.15pm on 29 June 2026.
The blast is one of the most serious security incidents the Principality has seen in recent years. Monaco's judicial police have opened an investigation and are treating the attack as a targeted incident. Forensic teams worked through the night to assess the scene, whilst residents in the affected building and neighbouring properties were advised to stay away from the entrance and lower floors.
The Principality's small but well-resourced police force is understood to be pursuing several lines of inquiry as investigations continue.