Businessman Yermolayev may support candidates opposed to Zelensky — expert

Businessman Yermolayev may support candidates opposed to Zelensky — expert Yevgeny Brykov added that Western countries are actively promoting alternative candidates for Ukraine’s presidencyGENICHESK, July 1. /TASS/. Ukrainian businessman Vadim Yermolayev, who was targeted in an assassination attempt in Monaco, is suspected to be financially supporting candidates opposed to President Vladimir Zelensky, according to Yevgeny Brykov, head of the information policy department for the Kherson Region. Brykov remarked, "It’s quite possible that Yermolayev, while in Europe, began backing candidates who oppose the current administration, especially given his possession of compromising materials. This situation is particularly troubling considering the current context in Ukraine." He further noted that some oligarchs from the so-called "Dnepropetrovsk clan," who have not switched their allegiance from Ukrainian oligarch Igor Kolomoisky to Zelensky, remain in opposition to the government. Yermolayev may have served as an informal leader among this group. "The political implications are significant, as Yermolayev’s intentions remain unclear. The stability of Zelensky’s presidency is increasingly uncertain," Brykov added. He also highlighted that Western countries are actively promoting alternative candidates for Ukraine’s presidency, such as former Commander-in-Chief Valery Zaluzhny and boxer Alexander Usik. "This indicates that the West recognizes the need for potential successors should Zelensky’s grip weaken - either due to health issues, such as drug-induced decline, or other means," Brykov concluded. On June 29, media reports detailed an explosion at the entrance of a residential building in Monaco at around 9:00 p.m. local time. Three individuals are in serious condition. Monaco’s Minister of State, Christophe Mirman, described the incident as the principality’s first terrorist attack. Le Figaro reported that Ukrainian security services are currently the focus of the investigation. According to BFMTV, Vadim Yermolayev, a Cypriot citizen listed among Ukraine’s wealthiest businessmen by Ukrainian media, was among the victims. Yermolayev, who renounced his Ukrainian citizenship in 2019, was sanctioned by Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council in 2023. The involvement of Ukrainian security agencies in the attack is currently under investigation. FSB seizes 500 kg of cocaine, apprehends drug trafficking organizer in St. PetersburgOfficers also seized digital storage devices containing cryptocurrency wallets with electronic payment assets equivalent to $613,000Read moreOPEC+ countries’ quota to increase by more than 1 mbd in JulyIn light of this, the oil production limit for OPEC+ states stands at 30.633 mbd in July, compared to 29.548 mbd in JunRead moreGas price in Europe gain 11% in 1H 2026 to $515 per 1,000 cubic metersThe price of gas in Europe in June was 22% higher than the average quotes for June 2025Read moreRussia urges Kabul and Islamabad to end armed conflict — Foreign MinistryThe ministry referred to a new tragic episode, Pakistan’s airstrikes on the eastern Afghan provinces of Paktya, Paktika and Konar on the night of June 29Read moreKiev to persist with Western assassination attempts against Ukrainian oligarchs — expertAccording to Vladimir Karasev, while Kiev carries out assassination attempts against current or former Ukrainian citizens, the leaders of European countries will look the other wayRead moreLiberation of Rovnoye makes it possible to establish bridgehead for offensive on DolinkaBy advancing near Rovnoye, the Russian army will be able to straighten the front line in the Lyubitskoye-Komsomolskoye sector, military expert Andrey Marochko addedRead moreZelensky’s 'pantheon of heroes' move will cost Ukraine — former Polish PMMateusz Morawiecki clarified that "the cult of the UPA" did not strengthen Ukraine, but rather, it weakened its authority, complicated relations with allies, and distanced Ukraine from Western integrationRead moreEU cannot be allowed at negotiating table on Ukraine — senior Russian senatorAt the same time, Konstantin Kosachev noted that dialogue with individual EU leaders is possible, but it should not take the form of a "formal negotiation process"Read moreMore than 6,000 people rescued after earthquake in VenezuelaChairman of the National Assembly Jorge Rodrigue said that 80,870 families were helpedRead moreExplosion in Monaco may be result of criminal feuds over scam call centersThe country’s Minister of State, Christophe Mirmand, stated that Monaco had never seen an attack like thisRead morePublic transport in Crimea provided with fuel — head of regionSergey Aksenov added that limited amount of fuel will be available for sale in the near futureRead moreProtection against UAV attacks, AI use: statements by Russia’s defense chiefAndrey Belousov said that Russia is actively introducing artificial intelligence systems in its air defenses and the results will be seen by NovemberRead moreFrench national team has advanced to Round of 16 of World CupIn the Round of 16, the French team will face Paraguay, which defeated Germany in the first knockout roundRead moreFrench politician accuses Kiev of plotting assassination attempt on entrepreneur in MonacoFlorian Philippot suggested that the attack on Vadim Yermolayev may have been financed "directly by Zelensky" and that "Ukrainian special services" or "pro-Ukrainian extremist groups" may have been involvedRead moreMacroeconomic indicators should not turn into 'fetish' — Russian Economy MinisterMaxim Reshetnikov noted that investment is largely a matter of trust and sentimentRead moreHead of Lebanese parliament vows to unite opponents of agreement with IsraelNabih Berri is trying to prevent an escalation of discontent that could lead to an internal conflict that threatens civil peaceRead morePolish president plans to limit contact with Zelensky over Bandera row — newspaperKarol Nawrocki may make an announcement on this track on July 11Read moreRussian forces strike Ukrainian army positions by FAB bombs in Zaporozhye, Sumy areasThe ministry uploaded video footage of Su-34 bombers destroying the designated targetsRead moreChina to accelerate development of world-class armed forces — Xi JinpingThe Chinese leader emphasized that "a strong country must have a strong military" and that national security is impossible without powerful armed forcesRead moreKiev's sponsors refuse to respond to deaths of children in Russia in airstrikes — MPRoza Chemeris' comments came in response to the overnight strike by Ukrainian forces that resulted in the death of a six-month-old baby in Yegoryevsk, near MoscowRead moreHaaland’s goal propels Norway to Round of 16 at FIFA World CupNorway will play BrazilRead moreWhite House puts cost of Iran war at about $30 billionWhite House Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought said he learned about it from the Department of WarRead moreUkraine may be involved in assassination attempt on Yermolayev — newspaperThe publication names two main versions of the assassination attemptRead moreRussia calls for international attention to Kiev’s crimes — KremlinDmitry Peskov stressed that such crimes are conducted against civilian populationRead moreTokayev shares his impressions of his visit to Brussels with Putin — KremlinFollowing the visit, Kazakhstan signed commercial agreements and memorandums with the EU worth a total of over $12 billionRead moreRepublican convention ahead of US congressional election to be held in Dallas in SeptemberThe US leader indicated that the convention will aim to draw attention to measures taken by his administration, including those in the socio-economic sphereRead moreRussian troops liberate settlement of Novoskelevatoye in Dnepropetrovsk region — top brassTroops from Battlegroup West in Krasny Liman seized five strongpoints and captured 57 buildings over the past 24 hours, according to the reportedRead moreTop Cuban diplomat points to lack of progress in talks with USBruno Rodriguez Parrilla also mentioned the ongoing spread of "toxic and false information", including through the media, aimed at distorting the situation in the Latin American countryRead moreMore than 500,000 Venezuelans in need of emergency food assistance — UNThe WFP is urgently appealing for an initial $50 million to provide emergency food assistance Read moreNATO cannot agree on terms of assistance to Kiev over Italy's position — paperInitially the text was supposed to mention the continuation of assistance in 2027 "at least at a comparable level," but Italy opposed the prolongationRead moreRussian Cabinet closes border crossings with Baltic States, FinlandThe Russian Foreign Ministry was instructed to notify Riga, Tallinn and Helsinki about the decision made by Moscow and effective from July 1Read moreKim Jong Un sends Xi Jinping message marking Chinese Communist Party’s 105th anniversaryThe message states that the Chinese Communist Party has written a brilliant chapter in the nation’s historyRead moreCuba requests UNGA meeting on July 7 over need to end US blockade — top diplomatBruno Rodriguez Parrilla emphasized that Cuba posed no threat to the United StatesRead moreRussia succeeds in creating strike UAV industry comparable to nuclear industry — expertDmitry Kuzyakin underscored that the integration of drones into modern warfare marks a fundamental shift from previous conflictsRead moreGerman opposition politician listed on Ukraine’s database of unwanted personsChristian Engel is accused of expressing public support for Russia, discrediting Ukraine, and undermining international support for KievRead moreTerrorist attack in Monaco was likely caused by criminal strife in Kiev — expertIt seems highly probable that this attack was a result of settling scores between tightly knit criminal groups vying for influence over illicit resource, Alexander Protsenko saidRead moreChild’s death in Moscow Region, discussions on fuel imports: topics of Kremlin’s briefingDmitry Peskov emphasized that the death of a child in Yegoryevsk, near Moscow, due to a drone attack is the result of the Kiev regime's actionsRead moreRussian troops liberate three communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brassRussia’s Battlegroup South inflicted more than 175 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reportedRead moreCzech government party wants to strip Zelensky of country's highest orderLower house of parliament deputy Jindrich Rejchl, who put forward the initiative, said he was inspired by Poland’s example.Read moreControl over Malinovka enables Russian Armed Forces to advance on Kramatorsk — expertFollowing the liberation of Malinovka, significant, broad operational vistas are opening up, Andrey Marochko notedRead moreSenior Russian senator calls potential Starmer successor 'dark horse'Konstantin Kosachev noted that Andy Burnham was "co-opted into Parliament," otherwise, he would never have made it into the circle of top state officialsRead moreRussian artillery destroys two Ukrainian army deployment sites near KonstantinovkaAccording to the Russian Defense Ministry, artillery crews of the 6th Motor Rifle Division are conducting combat operations in the Konstantinovka direction round-the-clockRead moreUS to spend $4 bln to upgrade military bases in UK — mediaAccording to the publication, the largest expenditure, estimated at $1.6 billion, is the modernization of RAF Lakenheath in SuffolkRead moreUS expects report from NATO allies on increase in military spending on July 7-8The NATO countries agreed last year with Washington’s suggestion to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035Read moreForest fires engulf 69 acres in Sevastopol following Ukrainian UAVs’ downingThe firefighters have been fighting the fire for over a day, with their work being complicated by difficult mountainous terrain, repeated attacks and new fire outbreaks, Mikhail Razvozhayev addedRead moreRussian troops begin fighting for Osykovo northwest of Konstantinovka in DPR — expertAccording to Andrey Marochko, the Ukrainian army is beginning to face elements of a collapsing front line in this directionRead moreRussian-Finland agreement on double taxation avoidance suspended as of July 1Russia’s Finance Ministry previously announced that the Finnish government was fully suspending the agreementRead moreIndia extends customs duty exemption on petrochemical imports until July 15The customs duty waiver for approximately 40 types of critical petrochemical products was introduced on April 2 as a temporary, targeted support measureRead moreIsraeli army eliminates Islamic Jihad commander involved in hostage-taking"Prior to the strike, steps were taken to mitigate harm to civilians," the IDF addedRead moreJeland to launch C5 fastback crossover in new C-seriesThe prototype's premiere is scheduled for July 3-4 in St. Petersburg and July 18-19 in Moscow during the VK Fest youth festivalRead moreIran exports over 40 mln barrels of oil after US blockade lifted — parliament speakerMohammad Bagher Ghalibaf recalled that passage through the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz was opened to the Islamic republic’s commercial vessels and oil tankersRead moreIN BRIEF: Putin comments on Russia’s strategic goals, security, Duma electionRussia is living through a crucial time, the head of state said, as he pledged that the security of the nation will be ensuredRead moreUkrainian MFA verifying citizenship of businessman injured in Monaco explosionAccording to local emergency services, three people - members of a family of Ukrainian origin - were injured in the explosionRead moreRussia to send aircraft to Turkey to fight forest firesIn response to a request from the Turkish authorities, two Be-200 aircraft will soon be deployed to support efforts in extinguishing seasonal wildfiresRead moreRussian, Chinese warplanes conducted joint six-hour patrolFighter air cover was provided along the entire joint patrol route by Su-30SM and Su-35S aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces and Jian-16 aircraft of the Chinese Air ForceRead more'Major overhaul' of state: Kazakhstan begins operating under new constitutionOne of the key innovations was the restructuring of the legislative branchRead moreEnvoy says Zelensky informed of presidential bid intentionThe media outlet reported that Zelensky was prepared to offer Zaluzhny positions in the government if he agreed not to run, but the former commander-in-chief said he could not do so because many Ukrainians had placed their hopes in himRead moreStrait of Hormuz to be free of tolls, Vance saysJD Vance stressed that the United States still has a lot of leverage points on IranRead moreMonaco authorities do not consider June 29 explosion to be terrorist attack — prosecutorStephane Thibault said that Monaco’s law enforcement agencies are currently working with their French counterparts to identify the person who planted the explosive deviceRead morePutin convenes meeting of government officials, Russian oil majors on fuel situationThe Russian president authorized efforts to minimize the impact of Ukrainian terrorist attacks on Russian civilian facilitiesRead moreLavrov, top Bahraini diplomat discuss situation in Persian GulfRussian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Bahraini counterpart Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani also agreed to maintain close cooperation on Middle East issues within the UN Security CouncilRead moreNATO chief admits to sleepless nights over RussiaAccording to Mark Rutte, Russia is the main threat for the alliance at present and in the longer termRead moreMbappe sets record for most goals scored in World Cup knockout stagesKylian Mbappe scored in the Round of 16 match against SwedenRead moreMilitants from Sudan attack city in CAR, Russian specialists carry out airstrikeThe source noted that the militants, using civilians as shields, have dispersed into nearby residential areasRead moreFrontline developments reinforce confidence that Russia’s goals to be achieved — KremlinRussia's position on the settlement is well known and remains consistent, Dmitry Peskov said Read moreUS Supreme Court strikes down Trump’s executive order limiting birthright citizenshipFive of the six judges pointed out that the right was enshrined in the US ConstitutionRead moreSeveral people still alive under rubble in Venezuela after earthquake — TVApproximately 6,500 people have been rescued from the rubble, while another 51,000 are still missingRead moreRussian Federation Council considers Zelensky’s threats against Belarus seriousAccording to Konstantin Kosachev, Zelensky's words should be taken seriously because he is "an irrational and unpredictable man", obsessed with a thirst for powerRead moreUkrainian army attacks DPR 15 times over past 24 hours wounding six peopleReports indicate that six civilians were woundedRead moreRussia to open diplomatic missions in Gambia, Liberia, Togo, Union of Comoros — LavrovThe Russian foreign minister added that a new department for partnership with Africa was establishedRead moreLavrov discusses Persian Gulf situation with Bahraini foreign ministerThe foreign ministers stressed the need for a strict compliance by all parties involved in the armed confrontation with the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran Read morePress review: Peace in Lebanon under threat and Germany readies military draft returnTop stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, June 30thRead moreRussian specialists create micro helicopter to overcome minefields and water obstaclesThe new technologies made it possible to combine the maneuverability of an ATV and a helicopterRead moreRuID experiment for foreigners will run until end of 2027 — MPThe experiment was originally scheduled to run until June 30, 2026Read moreIranian oil prices rise 20% after suspension of US sanctions — parliament speakerMohammad Bagher Ghalibaf noted that oil revenues are being transferred to the relevant accountsRead moreIN BRIEF: Putin’s key statements on proposal to limit combat zone, special op progressThe Russian president said that Ukrainian strikes on Russia’s infrastructure do not affect the situation at the front or the position along the line of engagementRead moreLithuanian president appoints Social Democratic Party leader Sinkevicius as prime ministerThe newly appointed prime minister must present to parliament the composition of his cabinet and the government's programRead moreEuroclear files lawsuit against Bank of Russia to block 18.2 trln ruble recovery — EchoOn May 26, the Moscow Arbitration Court granted the central bank's motion to enforce the ruling in its lawsuit against EuroclearRead moreOman proposes Strait of Hormuz fee plan to US — newspaperAccording to the report, Iran and Oman are moving forward with plans to collect payment for ships transiting the strait, despite public US objectionsRead moreSenior Russian senator warns of 'joint response' if Ukraine attack BelarusKonstantin Kosachev emphasized that Russia and Belarus were part of the Union State and military alliesRead moreInvestigators assume Ukrainian security service behind Monaco blast — Le FigaroThe attack looks more like a 'warning' than a premeditated murder attempt, the newspaper saidRead moreUkraine’s Hornet attack UAVs shot down over Novorossiya highway — Russian Defense MinistryAccording to the ministry, air defense personnel employed small arms fire and aerial ramming tactics to down the dronesRead moreCongress fails to pass resolution against US forces fighting in LebanonThe document was supported by 189 votes and opposed by 235Read moreTehran, Washington maintain contact via political, not military channels — Iranian MFAAs Esmaeil Baghaei specified, the Foreign Ministry is engaged from the Iranian sideRead moreWorld central banks intend to reduce dollar share in reserves — ReutersCentral banks plan to increase their holdings of gold and are showing heightened interest in several other reserve currenciesRead moreRussian troops liberate two settlements in Dnepropetrovsk, Zaporozhye regionsUnits of Battlegroup East moved deeper into enemy defenses, liberating the settlement of Pisantsy and the settlement of NovosyolovkaRead moreRussia receives no reaction from UN regarding Ukrainian army’s strike on Starobelsk — MFARussian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov emphasized that all letters from the Secretary-General have been very disappointing as they contained no substantive answersRead moreXi Jinping calls reunification with Taiwan Chinese Communist Party’s ‘historic mission’The Chinese leader noted that Beijing intended to adhere to the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, resolutely combat "separatist forces advocating Taiwan independence" and resist external interferenceRead moreRussia destroys up to platoon of Ukrainian troops in NovoskelevatoyeAssault units of the 36th separate motorized rifle brigade of the 29th army of Battlegroup East have liberated NovoskelevatoyeRead moreRussian troops in Krasny Liman come across Colombian mercenaries fighting for UkraineThe commander of a motorized rifle battalion reported that Ukrainian forces in Krasny Liman are not attempting any counterattacks but are putting up sporadic resistance while hiding in basementsRead moreSitronics KT, Emperium to developing semi-autonomous ferriesThe project is being developed by AFK Sistema subsidiaries in collaboration with the government of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous District, Sitronics saidRead moreGazprom confirms receipt of Ukraine’s $1.65 billion gas debt repaymentThe information was confirmed by Gazprom spokesman Sergey KupiyanovRead moreRoscosmos, NASA define strategy for safe deorbiting of ISSThe report highlights that in May, international partners reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining ISS operations until 2030Read moreIran has not yet gained access to $6 bln of its assets in Qatar — NYPAccording to the newspaper, Iran wanted its assets transferred as a lump-sum payment, but Washington advocates splitting the amountRead moreRussian forces establish foothold along Seversky Donets-Donbass Canal — military expertAndrey Marochko noted that with Malinovka under control, Russian servicemen "can advance in various areas"Read moreRussian Solntsepyok heavy flamethrower torches Ukrainian stronghold near Krasny LimanThe special operations group commander with the call sign Zmei said that the Solntsepyok heavy flamethrower system was operating daily, providing support to advancing assault groupsRead moreKiev engulfed in acrid cloud from Chernobyl, fresh air is gone — journalistLevels of harmful particles are exceeding safe limitsRead moreFrance supports terrorists to further its interests — Russian Security CouncilAlexander Venediktov also noted that "Ukraine is actively involved in this, including on the African continent" Read moreNATO chief says US flew 5,000 sorties from bases in Europe during operation against IranThis confirms that Europe remains a key military ally of Washington, Mark Rutte saidRead moreBank of Russia crafting defense strategy for Euroclear court battle in BelgiumThe Bank of Russia is aware of Euroclear's lawsuit in BelgiumRead moreLukashenko off on official visit to Indonesia — Pool of FirstThe president of Belarus will meet with Indonesian leader Prabowo Subianto in a narrow and expanded formatRead more