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A significant explosion occurred in Monaco, injuring at least three individuals, and authorities are treating it as a potential terrorist act. Investigators are currently on the lookout for a suspect who has not yet been apprehended. Reports from a French news outlet indicate that the explosion may have targeted Ukrainian businessman Vadym (Vladimir) Iermolaiev and his family, although this information has not been officially verified.

The blast took place around 9 PM on Monday in a residential area on Rue Révérend-Père-Louis-Frolla, resulting in injuries to three people, two of whom are reported to be in critical condition. All victims are believed to be of Ukrainian descent. Authorities suspect that the explosion was triggered by a package rigged with explosives that was left inside the building. The Monaco public prosecutor's office confirmed that the suspect fled the scene and remains at large.

Vadym Iermolaiev, previously recognized as one of Ukraine's wealthiest individuals, renounced his Ukrainian citizenship in 2019 to become a citizen of Cyprus. In 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky imposed personal sanctions against him following a decision by the National Security and Defense Council.

Christophe Mirmand, Monaco's Minister of State, stated that the explosive device likely contained metal bolts and shot, and emphasized that investigators are diligently collecting evidence from the explosion site. Mirmand characterized the incident as "likely an attack" and noted that such an event is unprecedented in Monaco's history, saying, "This is the first time in history, to my knowledge, that such an act has occurred in the Principality." Authorities have also released a description of the suspect based on CCTV footage, indicating that he was wearing beige trousers, a black jacket, and a black hat that obscured part of his face. A still image from the footage appears to show him fleeing the scene shortly after the explosion.