A Ukrainian woman disguised as a man detonated a remote-controlled bomb in the entrance of a Monaco apartment building, nearly killing a Ukrainian-born tycoon sanctioned by Kyiv for his Russia ties — another sign that Europe's foreign conflicts don't stay foreign, and another reason American taxpayers shouldn't be bankrolling any of it.
The attack Monday left three people wounded, including a 13-year-old child and a woman who French media report had both legs amputated. The blast also injured two bystanders hit by glass on the street outside. Monaco deputy prosecutor Morgan Raymond said the bomb was triggered by remote control as the victims returned from dinner at a seaside restaurant. The target appears to have been Vadym Yermolaiev, a 58-year-old construction tycoon originally from Ukraine who renounced his citizenship nearly a decade ago and now holds a Cypriot passport. Ukraine sanctioned Yermolaiev in December 2023 over his business activities in Russian-annexed Crimea. His wife told Ukrainian broadcaster Suspilne she was not in Monaco at the time and was not among the injured.
Interpol on Friday issued a Red Notice for 39-year-old Anastasiia Berezovska, identifying her as the main suspect on charges of attempted murder, planting an explosive device, and criminal conspiracy. Born in Ukraine, dark-haired, German-speaking, with a possible snake tattoo running from shoulder to elbow on her right arm — she was last known to be living near Frankfurt. German police, including special forces, searched her rented apartment and vehicle Thursday, securing evidence for Monaco authorities. She remains at large.
The suspect initially appeared on CCTV as a heavily built man in a dark long-sleeved top, light shorts, and a black bucket hat. But broader footage review and a witness account redirected investigators to a woman in disguise. Security cameras had filmed the same person — and on at least one occasion, a woman matching the description — scouting the area in the days before the attack. After detonating the bomb, the suspect crossed on foot into France, then drove through Italy and several other European countries back to Germany in a car with German plates rented for the operation.
The sophistication of the device and the planning suggest she didn't act alone, Raymond told reporters. Two men taken into custody in Monaco were released for lack of evidence. The director of Monaco's public security, Eric Arella, held up copies of the Interpol notice at a press conference — one photo shows Berezovska holding what appears to be an electronic device trailing a cable.
All three outlets agree on the core facts. AP framed the target in its lede as a
