MONACO — A parcel bomb exploded in the lobby of a residential building in Monaco shortly before 9 p.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026. Vadym Iermolaiev, his wife, and their 13-year-old child were injured in the explosion. Monaco prosecutors opened an investigation into the explosion as an attempted assassination.

Vadym Iermolaiev and his wife were transported to a hospital with serious injuries. French media identified the victims as Vadym Iermolaiev, his wife, and their 13-year-old child. A Monaco prosecutor stated that the woman injured in the explosion is in life-threatening condition, while the man is no longer in life-threatening condition, and the child is not in danger. Authorities reported the suspected attacker fled into neighboring France.

Monaco prosecutors ruled out a terrorist attack based on early inquiries. Authorities in Monaco are searching to identify the suspect. John Bulanadi, a student, told AFP TV he heard a loud explosion. "I quickly went out onto my terrace to see what was happening. There was screaming, crying and two people on the ground," Bulanadi said.

Prince Albert II of Monaco described the incident as a "heinous crime" and "a shock to the entire Monegasque community." The prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes department expressed condolences for the victims and their families. The Ukrainian embassy in Paris stated it was checking the identity and nationality of those involved in the incident.

Vadym Iermolaiev is originally from the Ukrainian city of Dnipro and founded the Alef trade and industrial corporation. He was granted Cypriot nationality in 2019. In 2023, he was placed under Ukrainian sanctions. Ukrainian media reported the sanctions were for doing business in Russian-occupied Crimea.