Ukrainian oligarch Vadim Ermolaev survived an assassination attempt in Monaco on June 29, 2026, but the suspected perpetrator, Anastasia Berezovskaya, was found dead near Kyiv on July 6. The explosion injured Ermolaev, his companion, and a child near his family home valued at approximately 415 million rubles. Authorities have detained two individuals in Ukraine - an active military intelligence officer and a former law enforcement official - who confessed to Berezovskaya's murder. The case has revealed a complex web of personal motives and potential state involvement. RIA Novosti+2
Berezovskaya was repeatedly seen in Monaco before the attack and fled to Germany post-explosion. Her body, discovered with gunshot wounds, was buried near Kyiv after she returned to Ukraine on July 1. Investigators found a basement resembling a torture chamber during searches of the detained suspects' properties. The intelligence officer admitted to killing Berezovskaya, who had hunting experience and legal weapon access. RIA Novosti+2
Monaco authorities released two initially detained men for lack of evidence. Ermolaev emerged from a coma on July 4 and remains hospitalized in Marseille. His son was questioned by police as part of the ongoing probe. The attack has drawn attention to 84 Ukrainian oligarchs reportedly hiding in southern France, dubbed the "Monaco battalion." RIA Novosti+2
The remote-detonated bomb was placed on Ermolaev's porch after Berezovskaya confirmed his presence. Deputy Prosecutor Morgan Raymond stated the suspect observed the detonation. The shrapnel-filled device required precise timing and knowledge of the target's movements. No evidence links intelligence agencies directly to the explosion. RIA Novosti+2
Former Ukrainian MP Igor Mosiychuk claimed Berezovskaya was killed on July 3, suggesting internal Ukrainian involvement. The case intertwines with Ermolaev's alleged fraud activities and property disputes. Investigators are examining potential personal motives behind the attack, while dismissing initial theories of terrorist involvement. Russian Gazette+2