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QATAR PERSPECTIVE
MONACO BOMBING: INTERPOL HUNTS A UKRAINIAN SUSPECT
DOMINANT ANGLE
Doha is examining the geography of covert violence linked to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, through the Monaco bombing and the charges related to Nord Stream.
Dominant angle identified — does not reflect unanimity of this country’s media
ANALYSIS
Doha, July 4, 2026. An Interpol red notice has identified 39-year-old Ukrainian national Anastasiia Berezovska as the primary suspect in the bombing that occurred in Monaco on June 30. The international criminal police organization is seeking her for attempted murder, planting an explosive device in a public place with criminal intent, and criminal association. The suspect, who is believed to reside in Germany, is reportedly on the run across Europe.
The presumed target is Vadym Yermolaiev, a Ukrainian construction magnate who has been based in Monaco since 2021. The businessman renounced his Ukrainian citizenship nearly a decade ago and was targeted by Ukrainian sanctions in 2023 due to his business activities in Crimea, which was annexed by Russia. His partner, who was injured in the explosion, was still in critical condition on Friday, according to Morgan Raymond, deputy prosecutor of Monaco. Two other "collateral" victims were lightly injured in the attack.
The bomb, which was hidden near the entrance of a residential building, was remotely detonated by remote control. The remains of the device are being analyzed in France. Prince Albert II of Monaco described the incident as a "heinous crime" and a "shock to the entire Monegasque community". The prosecution specified that the victims, three members of the same family, appeared to have been specifically targeted.
The French press, including Le Figaro, has mentioned the possibility of an operation conducted by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), presented as a "warning" rather than an attempt to eliminate. Kyiv has not yet officially commented on this hypothesis.
The Monaco case is part of a context of alleged sabotage related to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. The German federal prosecutor's office has charged a 50-year-old Ukrainian national, identified as "Serhii K.", for the explosions that destroyed the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines in September 2022. According to court documents, the suspect allegedly coordinated a team that used the yacht Andromeda to plant explosive charges near the Danish island of Bornholm.
On Friday, World Athletics confirmed the continued exclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes from international competitions. Its president, Sebastian Coe, cited "the lack of tangible movement towards peace negotiations", a sign that the conflict continues to shape the entire international agenda, beyond just military theaters.
KEY POINTS
- Qatar's capital has been following the case of Anastasiia Berezovska, 39, who has been issued a red notice by Interpol for attempted murder, planting an explosive device in a public place, and criminal association.
- Doha is aware that Vadym Yermolaïev had renounced his Ukrainian citizenship nearly a decade ago and had been subject to Ukrainian sanctions since 2023 due to his business ties in Crimea.
- The Qatari government is monitoring the investigation into the bomb, which was triggered remotely, and notes that Yermolaïev's partner was still in critical condition on Friday, according to Monaco's Deputy Prosecutor Morgan Raymond.
COGNITIVE BIASES IDENTIFIED
Qatar's government views the situation through a law enforcement-focused lens, prioritizing the aspects of criminal procedures and Interpol, while overlooking the political implications of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
Qatar's capital, Doha, favors verified facts, presenting the hypothesis of a Ukrainian security service operation as a reported lead without in-depth examination.
Qatar's diplomatic coverage falls short, omitting official reactions from Kyiv and Moscow regarding the two incidents, including those related to Monaco and Nord Stream.
SOURCES (2)
Al JazeeraCenter
MEDIUMSTATE MEDIA
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