Phoenix 24
Two people arrested as investigators examine a second crime.
KYIV, UKRAINE — July 2026. Anastasiia Berezovska, the principal suspect in a bombing that seriously injured three people in Monaco, has been found shot dead in Ukraine. Ukrainian National Police confirmed that the 39-year-old citizen was wanted internationally through an Interpol Red Notice. Authorities also announced the arrest of two people suspected of involvement in her killing, including an active intelligence officer and an alleged accomplice.
Berezovska had been sought by European authorities on suspicion of attempted murder, placing an explosive device in a public area and participating in a criminal association. The charges were connected to an explosion outside a residential building in Monaco on June 30. The blast injured a couple and a 13-year-old boy as they returned to the property after dinner.
The victims have not been officially identified by authorities. Several reports indicated that the apparent target may have been Vadym Yermolaiev, a Ukrainian-born businessman who later obtained Cypriot citizenship, along with his partner and teenage son. Investigators have not publicly established the motive behind the attack.
Investigators believe the suspect conducted reconnaissance visits to the area before the bombing. Security footage initially led police to believe that the person responsible was a man because the individual wore loose clothing and a black bucket hat. Subsequent analysis and witness information shifted the investigation toward Berezovska, who was allegedly disguising herself during the operation.
The explosive device was reportedly concealed inside a shopping bag and left near the entrance to the apartment building. Investigators believe it was remotely activated at approximately 8:58 p.m. when the victims approached the property. Monaco’s deputy prosecutor said the sophistication of the bomb and the operational method suggested that the person who planted it may not have acted alone.
After the explosion, Berezovska allegedly crossed the nearby border into the French town of Beausoleil and collected a rental vehicle. Prosecutors believe she then traveled through Italy before reaching Germany, where she had previously lived. German police searched an apartment she rented near Frankfurt as European authorities attempted to trace her movements.
Monaco police said they identified the suspect within 53 hours through surveillance analysis, witness testimony and cooperation with French and other European authorities. Interpol subsequently circulated photographs and physical details, including a possible snake-shaped tattoo on her right arm. The alert also indicated that she spoke German and was considered internationally wanted.
Her death now creates a separate criminal investigation inside Ukraine while the Monaco bombing inquiry continues. Ukrainian authorities must determine why she was killed, whether her death was connected to the attack and what role the detained intelligence officer may have played. Monaco investigators will simultaneously continue examining whether additional individuals helped plan, build or execute the bombing.
The explosion shocked Monaco, a principality known for strict security and its concentration of wealthy international residents. Prince Albert II described the bombing as an atrocious crime as authorities launched one of the territory’s most significant recent criminal investigations. Berezovska’s death may complicate efforts to establish the motive, identify possible organizers and reconstruct the full chain of responsibility.
One violent investigation has now opened the door to another.