On Sunday, a leading Russian military blogger named Vladlen Tatarsky was killed in an explosion that occurred in a cafe in Saint Petersburg, Russia’s second-largest city. The interior ministry confirmed the incident and stated that one person had died, while 19 others were injured to varying degrees. Tatarsky, whose real name was Maxim Fomin, was a military correspondent with over 500,000 followers on Telegram, and he was in favor of Russia’s campaign in Ukraine.
According to investigators, an unidentified explosive device caused the blast, which took place at the “Street Food Bar No. 1” in the city center. The TASS news agency reported that the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device that was hidden inside a statue given to Tatarsky as a gift. It is unclear who was behind the attack, but a group called Cyber Front Z claimed responsibility, referring to themselves on social media as “Russia’s information troops.”
The group had hired out the cafe for the evening and said they took security measures, but unfortunately, they were not enough. They described the incident as a terrorist attack and expressed their condolences to Tatarsky’s family and friends. The 40-year-old Tatarsky came from the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine, which Russia claims to have annexed and which is currently mostly held by Russian troops.
The interior ministry said that police were called to the scene of the blast at 6:13 pm (1513 GMT), and investigators are currently working at the site. The incident has sent shockwaves across Russia, with many expressing their condolences and outrage on social media. The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have occurred in Russia over the past few years.
The incident is a tragic reminder of the risks that journalists face while reporting on conflicts and military operations. It also highlights the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, which have been in conflict since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. The attack on Tatarsky is a clear attempt to silence voices that support Russia’s campaign in Ukraine, and it is a reminder of the importance of a free and independent press.
In conclusion, the explosion that occurred at a cafe in Saint Petersburg on Sunday has left one person dead and 19 others injured. Vladlen Tatarsky, a leading Russian military blogger, was killed in the incident. The attack has been condemned by many, and investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the explosion. The incident highlights the risks that journalists face while reporting on conflicts and the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
