In the wake of a chilling incident that has sent shockwaves through the corridors of Russian media and international observers alike, the assassination of Vladlen Tatarsky, a prominent Russian war blogger, has taken a macabre turn. The unfolding narrative surrounding Tatarsky’s death at a St. Petersburg café has intensified with the emergence of a harrowing video capturing the precise moment of the explosive attack. This article delves into the depths of the Vladlen Tatarsky assassination case, exploring the circumstances leading up to the tragic event and unraveling the complex web of political speculations that surround it. As investigators piece together the puzzle, the newly surfaced video becomes a pivotal element, shedding light on the orchestrated bombing that claimed the life of a fervent supporter of Moscow’s actions in Ukraine. Join us as we navigate through the layers of this intricate and alarming narrative, seeking to understand the motives, the individuals involved, and the broader implications that reverberate both within Russia and on the international stage.
The Assassination
Vladlen Tatarsky, known by his pen name Maksim Fomin, was a vocal supporter of Moscow’s actions in Ukraine. The deadly incident unfolded during a discussion event at Street Food Bar No. 1, a cafe on the University Embankment near St. Petersburg University. Tatarsky, who had a substantial online following and was recognized for his pro-Russian stance, was presented with a small bust that concealed an explosive device. The subsequent blast claimed his life and caused extensive damage to the cafe.
The Video Evidence
A critical development in the investigation is the emergence of a video capturing the exact moment of the explosion. Posted on the Russian Telegram channel 112, the footage reveals the force of the blast, blowing out cafe windows, collapsing part of the structure, and scattering debris onto the street. The explosive device reportedly contained more than 200 grams of TNT, contributing to the severity of the incident.
Darya Trepova’s Involvement
The investigation has led to the formal charging of Darya Trepova, a 26-year-old Russian national, for terrorism offenses. Trepova allegedly played a role in the orchestrated attack, acting on instructions from individuals purportedly representing Ukraine. Her arrest, accompanied by a video testimony, has added a layer of complexity to the unfolding narrative.
Political Connections and Speculations
Tatarsky’s death has prompted a flurry of political speculations, with accusations against Ukraine, radical groups, and even connections to Aleksei Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation. The National Anti-Terrorism Committee has claimed that the attack was planned by Ukraine’s special services and “agents” collaborating with Navalny’s organization. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials suggest that the assassination is part of an internal conflict in Russia.
The Café’s Political Connection
Street Food Bar No. 1, the venue for the tragic incident, was formerly owned by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a Kremlin-connected businessman widely known as “Putin’s chef.” Prigozhin claimed to have handed over the cafe to a patriotic group called Cyber Z Front for meetings, adding another layer of intrigue to the story.
Footage shows a terror suspect walking into a cafe in St Petersburg yesterday to deliver a statuette to a well-known Russian blogger. Minutes later a bomb goes off killing the blogger
Today the 26-year-old Daria Trepova has been arrested for the assassination of Vladlen Tatarsky pic.twitter.com/Ru0P6O2k9o
— Sentletse 🇷🇺🇿🇦🇵🇸 (@Sentletse) April 3, 2023
The Fallout and International Reactions
Tatarsky’s assassination follows a similar incident in August involving the killing of nationalist TV commentator Darya Dugina. The political climate surrounding these events is further heightened by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. While Russian authorities and media point fingers at Ukraine and radicals, Ukrainian officials maintain that internal conflicts within Russia are at play.
As the investigation unfolds, the explosive café bombing video becomes a key piece of evidence, providing crucial insights into the circumstances surrounding Vladlen Tatarsky’s tragic assassination. The incident continues to capture the attention of the public, raising questions about the motives, actors involved, and the broader political implications at play.