Explosion in Russian cafe kills prominent military blogger

An explosion occurred at a café in Russia’s second-largest city, St. Petersburg, on Sunday, killing a notable military blogger who supported the fighting in Ukraine, and injuring more than a dozen others, according to the Interior Ministry. Vladlen Tatarsky, the blogger, was reported dead, and 16 people were reportedly injured. The blast resulted from an explosive device, carried by a café visitor, according to Russian news outlets, but there were no claims of responsibility. The Interior Ministry is investigating everyone who was present at the café at the time of the explosion to ascertain if they were involved.

Various fires and explosions have erupted in Russia since the conflict in Ukraine began in February 2022, without a clear link to the conflict. Tatarsky, also known as Maxim Fomin, posted his reports from Ukraine and the Kremlin where he had over 560,000 followers on his Telegram channel. His ferocious pro-war speeches earned him praise from supporters, though his comments were widely criticized. After the annexation of four Ukrainian regions by Russia last year, Tatarsky posted a video warning that “We will defeat everyone, kill everyone, and rob anyone we need to. It will all be as we wish. May God be with you.”

The annexation of Ukraine’s four regions was deemed illegal by many countries.