Anastasiia Berezovska, the primary suspect in the June 29 bombing of Ukrainian businessman Vadim Ermolaev in Monaco, was found dead near Kyiv on Monday evening. According to reports from Ukrainska Pravda and The Sun, the 39-year-old was killed by gunshot wounds. Ukrainian authorities have since detained two individuals in connection with her death: an active officer of the Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) and a former law enforcement official.
How did the investigation into the Monaco bombing unfold?
The explosion occurred on the evening of June 29 at a residential building on rue Révérend-Père-Louis-Frolla in Monaco. Vadim Ermolaev, a 58-year-old businessman born in Dnipro who obtained Cypriot citizenship in 2019, remains in critical condition. His partner, 46-year-old Anna Nasobina, suffered severe injuries including the amputation of both legs, while the couple’s 13-year-old son was also wounded in the blast, as reported by The Sun.
French and Monegasque investigators identified Berezovska using surveillance footage. Images showed a person, believed to be the suspect, sitting on a bench in Place des Moulins shortly before the explosion. Authorities allege she wore a male disguise to plant the device on the building’s steps before fleeing toward the French border. Interpol had issued an international arrest warrant for Berezovska on charges including attempted murder, the placement of an explosive device in a public place, and criminal conspiracy.
What is the connection to the “Battalion Monaco” investigation?
The incident has drawn attention to the presence of high-profile Ukrainian figures in the Principality. Monaco prosecutors have examined potential links to Ukrainian intelligence services, suggesting Ermolaev may have been targeted due to his business activities. Since December 2023, Ermolaev has been under sanctions by Kyiv for alleged economic ties to Crimea, which is currently occupied by Russia. This case is frequently discussed in the context of the “Battalion Monaco,” a term used to describe wealthy Ukrainian citizens who relocated to the Principality following the 2022 Russian invasion.
The investigation into Berezovska’s death involves personnel from the GUR, Ukraine’s military intelligence agency. The involvement of an active intelligence officer, as reported by Ukrainska Pravda, has intensified scrutiny regarding the potential state-level motivations behind the original attack in Monaco.
How do reports on the suspects differ?
While reports from Ukrainska Pravda and The Sun align on the primary facts of the discovery of the body and the subsequent arrests, the framing of the suspects’ backgrounds highlights the complexity of the case. The Sun provides specific details regarding the professional affiliations of the two men detained—specifically identifying one as a GUR officer—which adds a layer of inter-agency complexity not always present in preliminary local reports. Investigators currently operate on the theory that Berezovska did not act alone, citing the logistics required to carry out the attack and the subsequent flight across borders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the target of the Monaco explosion?
The target was Vadim Ermolaev, a 58-year-old Ukrainian-born businessman and Cypriot citizen residing in Monaco.
What were the charges against Anastasiia Berezovska?
She was wanted by Interpol for attempted murder, the placement of an explosive device in a public place, and criminal conspiracy.
Are there other suspects in the case?
Yes. Following Berezovska’s death, two men were arrested in Ukraine: an active-duty GUR intelligence officer and a former member of the Ukrainian law enforcement services.
What is the current condition of the victims?
Vadim Ermolaev remains in critical condition. His partner, Anna Nasobina, underwent the amputation of both legs and is reportedly still fighting for her life.
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