A Ukrainian multimillionaire targeted in an apparent assassination attempt in Monaco was with his London-based lover when the bomb detonated. Anna Nasobina, 46, lost her legs in the explosion, which also left Vadim Ermolaev, 58, and his son fighting for their lives.
Victims identified after blast
Nasobina, originally from Dnipro, Ukraine, describes herself as a London-based director. Initial reports had incorrectly named Ermolaev's wife, also Anna, as the injured woman. The wife, Anna Ermolaev, 56, was abroad at the time and told Suspline: 'We are currently in a state of severe stress and are actively cooperating with the investigation and law enforcement agencies.'
Ermolaev's background and sanctions
Ermolaev, also known as Vadym Yermolaiev, was sanctioned by the Ukrainian government in 2023 for selling alcohol to Russians in occupied Crimea. He has denied the accusations, claiming Russia seized his grape-growing and cognac enterprise. He moved to Monaco after Ukraine was invaded and was filmed living a lavish lifestyle, driving Bentleys and owning megayachts and luxury villas.
Explosion details
The blast occurred around 10pm on Monday at the entrance of the Cuomo Foundation, a philanthropic organization. CCTV footage showed a suspect dropping off bags shortly before the explosion. The backpack was believed to contain nuts and bolts. According to French daily Le Figaro, the attack appeared to be more of a 'warning' than a deliberate murder attempt.
Witness account
Silvano Ippolito, who lives across from the building, described hearing the explosion and seeing a little boy on the ground. He called his wife, a doctor, who provided first aid to the badly wounded woman. 'She intervened very quickly, before the emergency services arrived, to apply tourniquets and perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, as the woman was losing consciousness,' Ippolito said. A man emerged from the building covered in blood and staggering; as he tried to go down the stairs, the staircase collapsed, and he fell on Ippolito's wife and a firefighter.
Investigation and suspect
Christophe Mirmand, the minister of state for Monaco, said: 'It appears that the family was specifically targeted.' He added that the suspect 'had walked around the area several times while waiting for the victims,' according to surveillance footage. The suspect, wearing a black hat, tracksuit, white jeans and trainers, was seen fleeing towards the border in the nearby French town of Beausoleil.
Broader context
Russia has a long history of targeting enemies abroad, and Western intelligence officials have recently noted an increase in targeted killings since President Vladimir Putin's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
