The investigation into the explosion that occurred on June 29 in Monaco is experiencing a new development. Two suspects allegedly acknowledged a more significant role in organizing the attack, while the main target, Vadim Ermolaev, accuses Ukrainian military intelligence officers and demands an international investigation.
The investigation into the explosion that severely injured Ukrainian businessman Vadim Ermolaev, his companion and their 13-year-old son in Monaco is taking a new direction.
According to the media Ukrainska Pravda, citing sources close to the case, the two men held in detention in connection with the murder of Anastasiia Berezovska have allegedly begun to confess. The two suspects, presented as linked to Ukrainian security services, allegedly acknowledged having participated not only in the elimination of the 39-year-old woman, found dead near Kiev on July 6, but also in the organization of the attempted murder committed on June 29 in the Principality.
According to these statements, the initial plan would have consisted of kidnapping Vadim Ermolaev before a change in strategy led to the preparation of a bomb assassination.
The suspects allegedly recruited Anastasiia Berezovska to execute the operation. Still according to Ukrainska Pravda, the main motivation would have been financial. The Ukrainian refugee, living in Germany since 2022, hoped to “earn money to buy a house in Ukraine.”
One of the suspects claims that Anastasiia Berezovska assembled the bomb. The other claims to have manufactured the electronic firing system before transporting it to Germany, where preparation of the device allegedly continued. The statements collected also suggest that other people may have participated in the operation.
Investigators are also interested in a possible operational past of the victim. The two suspects allegedly indicated that Anastasiia Berezovska had been “involved in other operations,” notably against Ukrainian blogger Anatoly Shariy.
A mother with a background still surrounded by many gray areas
Ukrainian media also traced Anastasiia Berezovska’s background through testimony from those close to her.
Living in Germany with her son since the start of the war, the young woman was taking German language courses and living on social assistance. On July 1, two days after the Monaco explosion, a return to Ukraine made it possible to find her 7-year-old son, temporarily entrusted to his grandmother.
The family claims to have discovered Anastasiia Berezovska’s alleged involvement through social media. Relatives believe that the mother may have been manipulated or forced to participate in this operation.
According to information published by Suspilne Zhytomyr, her criminal record is limited to an altercation that occurred in 2021, dismissed without further action after the statute of limitations expired. German authorities also indicated that the Ukrainian woman was registered under a different administrative identity.
The circumstances that led to involvement in the Monaco attack nevertheless remain unknown.
Vadim Ermolaev accuses Ukrainian intelligence officers
For the first time since the explosion, Vadim Ermolaev has spoken in a letter sent to Monaco-Matin by the Ukrainian law firm Dynasty Law & Investment and authenticated by his Monégasque lawyer.
The businessman states: “In light of the evidence from the investigation that has been communicated to us, we are convinced that active officers of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, known by the acronym GUR, are directly involved in this assassination attempt.”
The letter also evokes responsibility that would extend beyond the mere executors. Vadim Ermolaev demands “a complete, independent and transparent investigation” in order to establish all those responsible.
Despite these accusations, the business leader also addresses thanks to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky. The document specifies: “This statement is directed neither against Ukraine nor against the Ukrainian people.”
Returning to the June 29 explosion, Vadim Ermolaev describes an attack targeting the entire family: “We know that those responsible for the attack saw a woman and a child at my side before triggering the explosion. They acted, their objective was to kill all three of us, regardless of age or gender.”
Still hospitalized, the businessman concludes that “Our survival is miraculous,” before thanking Prince Albert II, the Monégasque authorities, President Emmanuel Macron and French authorities for their support. The letter ends with a call to obtain “truth, protection and justice.”
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