Body of woman suspected in Monaco attack on businessman Yermolayev found near Kyiv

The body was discovered around 11 p.m. on July 6, according to sources in Ukrainian law enforcement. The woman had been shot. Investigators say she had been outside Ukraine from March 22, 2025 until July 1, 2026.

Two suspects have been detained in connection with the case. One is an active officer of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR), and the other is a former law enforcement officer.

The incident is linked to an explosion in Monaco on June 29 that injured three people, including sanctioned Ukrainian businessman Vadym Yermolayev and his relatives. Two of the victims suffered very serious injuries. After the blast, the suspect who planted the explosive device allegedly fled to France. The Monaco prosecutor's office has opened an investigation into attempted murder and placing an explosive device in a public place, but the terrorism version has been ruled out. Media reports suggest the investigation is considering possible involvement of Ukraine's Security Service (SBU).

Vadym Yermolayev is a businessman from Dnipro, founder of the Alef trading and manufacturing corporation, and one of the city's largest developers. He regularly appeared on the Forbes list of the 100 richest Ukrainians. In 2019, he renounced his Ukrainian citizenship for a Cypriot passport. He was previously featured in the Ukrainian Pravda investigation "Monaco Battalion" about Ukrainian businessmen, politicians, and oligarchs who settled on the Cote d'Azur during the full-scale war.