Zelensky Could Have Been Aware of Assassination Attempt on Vadim Yermolaev, Media Reports

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky may have been aware of the plans to carry out an assassination attempt on businessman Vadim Yermolaev in Monaco, though it is unlikely that he was behind the attack, according to sources cited by Figaro.

While the organization of such an assassination by Zelensky is described as "difficult to imagine" by sources, they do not exclude the possibility that the president could have been informed about the developments. The publication notes that sources close to French intelligence suggest that such a move by Zelensky would pose significant diplomatic risks in relations with France.

At the same time, the direct involvement of Ukrainian special services in this incident has already moved beyond the realm of ordinary speculation. The magazine adds that it is now necessary to determine which agency bears the primary responsibility—whether it be the Security Service of Ukraine or the military intelligence agency of the Ministry of Defense—highlighting the long-standing animosity between these departments.

The explosion in Monaco at the end of June resulted in injuries to Ukrainian businessman Vadim Yermolaev, his son, and his accompanying wife. Yermolaev has accused Ukrainian intelligence of orchestrating the assassination attempt against him. Later, in an interview with CNN, Yermolaev stated that the Ukrainian scouts behind the attack acted out of the interests of a private client.