Monaco, a principality known for its tax haven status and affluent residents, was the scene of a suspected assassination attempt on Ukrainian oligarch Vadym Ermolaev. The explosion injured Ermolaev, his mistress Anna Nasobina, and their 13-year-old son. Nasobina sustained severe injuries, losing both legs, and is in intensive care.

The prime suspect, Anastasiia Berezovska, 39, has been identified by Interpol and is considered armed and dangerous. She was reportedly seen fleeing to the nearby French town of Beausoleil.

This incident has drawn attention to a group of wealthy Ukrainians, dubbed the 'Monaco Battalion' by Kyiv security services, who have sought refuge in southern France and Monaco since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. While Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for all able-bodied men to fight, an estimated 84 Ukrainian oligarchs, businessmen, diplomats, and politicians have reportedly relocated to the French Riviera. They are described as living in high-security villas and enjoying luxurious lifestyles.

The Attack and Investigation

Authorities believe the attack on Ermolaev, occurring on a Monday evening outside his luxury apartment building, was a meticulously planned operation. Security cameras reportedly captured Berezovska observing the building before detonating the device. Theories surrounding the motive range from involvement of Ukrainian secret services to retribution for alleged fraud schemes or a gangster-related 'settling of scores.'

Monegasque and French police have launched a criminal inquiry into attempted murder and the use of an explosive device. Ermolaev's son, who is recovering, is reportedly providing evidence to investigators.

The 'Monaco Battalion'

Intelligence officials in Kyiv have identified around 84 prominent Ukrainians who fled Ukraine after the 2022 invasion, leading to the moniker 'Monaco Battalion.' While some are said to still reside in Monaco, others have reportedly moved to destinations like Dubai, London, Paris, Israel, and the west coast of the United States. Many in this group have documented ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin or are subjects of ongoing criminal investigations. A significant number are reported to live along the coast in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, an area known as Billionaire's Peninsula.

Prominent figures within this group include:

  • Vadym Ermolaev: A tycoon with a fortune estimated at over £173 million, Ermolaev made his wealth in real estate and agribusiness. He renounced his Ukrainian citizenship in 2019 and holds a Cypriot passport. He has denied allegations of criminality, including money laundering and involvement in a call center fraud scheme.
  • Rinat Akhmetov: The wealthiest man in Ukraine, with a net worth of approximately $7.8 billion. Akhmetov, whose business interests span coal, iron, steel, and media, has faced allegations of leading an organized crime syndicate, which he denies. He reportedly fled to the French Riviera following Russia's invasion.
  • Kostyantyn Zhevago: The founder of iron ore giant Ferrexpo, Zhevago is wanted in Ukraine over the alleged disappearance of $113 million from his bank. He was detained in France but not extradited.
  • The Surkis brothers: Ihor and Hryhoriy Surkis, who made their fortunes in football and are estimated to be worth over $260 million, are said to have taken up residence in Monaco. They have faced scrutiny over alleged diversion of UEFA funds.
  • Igor Abramovych: A former MP who left Ukraine days before the 2022 invasion and resettled on the French Riviera.
  • Yuriy Ivanyushchenko: Once considered the second most powerful person in Ukraine, he amassed wealth in coal, agriculture, and other sectors. Ukrainian courts have frozen significant portions of his assets.
  • Yulia Lyovochkina: A former MP who reportedly fled to a luxury villa in Saint-Jean.
  • Viktor Pintchouk: A steel and media magnate who moved to the French Riviera at the start of the war. Unlike many others, he faces no allegations of money laundering or Russian sympathy and has reportedly supported the Ukrainian war effort from his French base.

The presence of these individuals in the south of France contrasts sharply with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where many of their countrymen are fighting for survival.