Explosion in Monaco leaves three members of a Ukrainian family injured; authorities examine terrorism lead

Monday evening in the Principality of Monaco was shaken by a powerful explosion that left three people injured and put authorities on alert, as they are also treating the incident as a possible terrorist attack.

Immediately after the incident, police launched a large-scale operation to identify and arrest the suspected perpetrator, who is believed to have fled the area as soon as the explosion occurred.

Preliminary data show that the explosion happened near the entrance to the Cuomo Foundation in the Moulins district. Initial suspicions point to a bomb placed on the ground floor of a residential building. According to witnesses at the scene, shortly before the explosion a person had left several bags there, while investigators are also analyzing the possibility that an improvised explosive device was used.

The injured are three members of the same family with Ukrainian citizenship: a man and a woman aged around 50-60, as well as their teenage son. The two adults were taken to Pasteur Hospital in Nice, while the minor was transported to Lenval Children’s Hospital. So far, there is no official information on their health condition.

French media report that the possible target of the attack was Ukrainian businessman Vladimir Ermolaev, together with his wife and son. According to Forbes magazine’s ranking, Ermolaev is 23rd among the 100 richest Ukrainians. Despite this, authorities have not yet officially confirmed the identity of the person who may have been targeted.

After the explosion, the area was sealed off by a large number of police and firefighters. Security cameras are suspected to have recorded a man leaving a backpack in the area shortly before the incident, while the search has also been expanded to the neighboring town of Beausoleil, where the suspect is believed to have fled.

Both Monaco authorities and emergency services from neighboring France are taking part in the operation. The investigation is continuing to clarify the motive for the attack and identify the perpetrator.

The Cuomo Foundation is a charitable organization that operates mainly in North Africa and the Middle East, focusing on education, social development, and support for communities in need.