Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks Remain Stalled Amid Intensified Strikes
Amid ongoing tensions, Ukraine has ramped up its air operations, targeting deep inside Russian territory. Recently, Ukrainian forces executed drone strikes on a refinery located in Russian-controlled Crimea and an oil tank in Moscow. This show of force seems aimed at sending a strong message to Moscow as peace talks between the two nations have hit a standstill.
Interpol Issues Red Notice for Suspected Bomber
Interpol has issued a red notice for Anastasiia Berezovska, a 39-year-old Ukrainian woman, who is accused of being involved in a bombing at an apartment building in Monaco on June 30. This incident reportedly targeted a Ukrainian oligarch with ties to Russia. The explosion injured several individuals, including a construction mogul named Vadym Yermolaiev, who was also born in Ukraine.
Monaco’s public prosecutor Stéphane Thibault confirmed injuries to a woman and a 13-year-old child in the same apartment, believed to be linked to Yermolaiev.
Berezovska faces serious charges, including attempted murder and possession of an explosive device with malicious intent. Authorities describe her as a dark-haired woman, possibly with a snake tattoo on her arm.
Initially, the suspect was thought to be a heavy-set man. Monaco Deputy Prosecutor Morgan Raymond described how the individual placed an explosive device at the entrance of the building and detonated it remotely, following a careful reconnaissance of the area. This raises concerns that Berezovska may not have acted alone, as the sophistication of the explosives points to possible support.
Investigators tracked her across borders from Monaco to Germany, where her apartment was raided. Authorities continue to search for her, emphasizing that the detailed planning evident in the operation suggests she was part of a larger scheme.
While a motive for the attack has not been disclosed, Yermolaiev’s background adds some context. The 58-year-old construction tycoon renounced his Ukrainian citizenship in 2017 and became a Cypriot citizen in 2019. He faced sanctions from the Ukrainian government in 2023 for his connections to Russia and his business dealings in Crimea, a region annexed by Russia in 2014.
