Key point 1 of Germany coverage

A 39-year-old Ukrainian woman residing in the Main-Taunus-Kreis district of Hesse, Germany, is being sought via an Interpol red notice for attempted murder, planting an explosive device for criminal purposes, and membership in a criminal organization.

Key point 2 of Germany coverage

Vadym Jermolajew, 58, founder of the Alef group and Ukraine's 23rd richest person according to Forbes 2020, was severely injured along with his companion — who reportedly lost both legs — and their 13-year-old son in the June 29 explosion.

GERMANY PERSPECTIVE

MONACO BOMBING: INTERPOL HUNTS A UKRAINIAN SUSPECT

DOMINANT ANGLE

Berlin is closely examining the role of its territory in the alleged network: the suspect resided in Hesse, her vehicle had German license plates, and it was the Hessian LKA that carried out the initial searches.

Dominant angle identified — does not reflect unanimity of this country’s media

ANALYSIS

Berlin, July 4, 2026. The Monaco case has landed directly on German soil. The suspect identified by Interpol — a 39-year-old Ukrainian woman — resided in the Main-Taunus-Kreis district of Hesse before fleeing across Europe. Her apartment was searched on Thursday by the Hessian LKA and special forces, as part of a judicial assistance agreement with Monaco. Her vehicle was also seized by German authorities.

On the evening of June 29, an explosive device detonated in the lobby of a residential building in Monaco. Three people were seriously injured: Vadym Jermolajew, 58, founder of the Alef group and 23rd wealthiest person in Ukraine (Forbes 2020), his partner, and their 13-year-old son. The partner is reported to have lost both legs, according to Nice-Matin. The suspect had deposited a backpack filled with explosives in the lobby and then triggered the detonation remotely. Surveillance cameras captured her disguised as a man, wearing a black fishing hat.

The Monaco prosecutor's office has opened an investigation into attempted murder and related charges. Interpol has issued a red notice for attempted murder, depositing an explosive device for criminal purposes, and membership in a criminal organization. Monaco's deputy prosecutor, Morgan Raymond, stated during a press conference that the suspect had "probably" acted with accomplices, citing a "fairly complex explosive device." She is believed to have visited the site several times before the attack. Two men arrested on Wednesday and Thursday were released due to lack of evidence.

The case is resonating in Germany in a context of intense judicial activity. Federal prosecutors have charged Serhii Kuznietsov, presented as the leader of the team that sabotaged the Nord Stream gas pipelines. This Ukrainian national, arrested in Italy in the summer of 2025 and extradited in November, is being held in Hamburg. His law firm has confirmed that he is facing charges for "attacks on civilian infrastructure, detonation of explosive devices, and demolition of constructed works." While the two cases are not directly related, their simultaneity has reignited the debate about active networks operating from German territory.

Meanwhile, Monaco investigators are exploring the possibility of involvement by the Ukrainian intelligence agency SBU, according to reports relayed by Deutsche Welle. Jermolajew, from the city of Dnipro, is being presented in German media as a potential target against the backdrop of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. The main suspect remains at large in Europe.

KEY POINTS

A 39-year-old Ukrainian woman residing in the Main-Taunus-Kreis district of Hesse, Germany, is being sought via an Interpol red notice for attempted murder, planting an explosive device for criminal purposes, and membership in a criminal organization.
Vadym Jermolajew, 58, founder of the Alef group and Ukraine's 23rd richest person according to Forbes 2020, was severely injured along with his companion — who reportedly lost both legs — and their 13-year-old son in the June 29 explosion.
Monaco's Deputy Prosecutor Morgan Raymond stated that the suspect had "probably" acted with accomplices, relying on a "fairly complex explosive device".

COGNITIVE BIASES IDENTIFIED

The German territorial framework focuses on the role of German soil, including homes, vehicles, and searches, rather than the Monaco or international aspects of the investigation.

Preference is given to the geopolitical context, with the Nord Stream incident being referenced to frame a still-unsolved criminal case.

The victims receive limited coverage, with the fate of Jermolajew's partner and minor son getting less attention than the police and geostrategic aspects.