3 Ukrainians injured in suspected package bomb attack in Monaco

Three members of a Ukrainian family were injured, two of them critically, when a package bomb exploded outside an apartment building in Monaco in what officials said was likely a terror attack.

The explosion happened shortly before 9 p.m. Monday near Place des Moulins, an area in the eastern part of the principality, according to Monaco’s government.

Authorities said the blast was caused by a booby-trapped package. Police quickly sealed off the area, while emergency crews took three people, two adults and a child, to hospitals in Nice, France.

Le Figaro, citing information from authorities and other sources, reported that the victims were a Ukrainian couple in their 50s and their 13-year-old son. The two adults were in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, while the child was in stable condition.

The newspaper identified one of the adults as Vadim Ermolaev, a Ukrainian oligarch who has been living in Monaco since the beginning of Russia’s war in Ukraine. He was inside the apartment building with his partner and son when the explosion happened.

Monaco’s government said two other people were left in shock and two people with minor injuries went on their own to Princess Grace Hospital Center, Monaco’s main hospital. Le Figaro reported that some of the injuries were caused by shattered glass.

A suspect was seen on surveillance video fleeing toward Beausoleil, a French town just north of Monaco, officials said. Access points into the principality were immediately secured.

Monaco’s public prosecutor has opened a judicial investigation. Forensic teams worked at the scene late into the evening, while six unoccupied apartments in the targeted building were secured.

About 50 firefighters, including 40 from Monaco and 10 from France, responded with 12 vehicles. Authorities said 84 police officers were also deployed.

Prime Minister Christophe Mirmand told AFP that the explosion was “most likely a terrorist attack,” according to Le Figaro. The attack was reported to be the first of its kind in Monaco.

Prince Albert II called the explosion a “criminal” act and said Monaco was working closely with French authorities to determine what happened and identify those responsible.

“My thoughts go first to the victims, to their loved ones and to the residents directly affected by this brutal act,” Prince Albert said. “More than ever, the Principality of Monaco will remain united and resolute in the face of violence and crime.”