In a tragic incident last April, pro-war blogger Vladlen Tatarsky (real name Maxim Fomin), aged 40, fell victim to a bomb hidden in a statuette gifted by Darya Trepova. The blast occurred as Tatarsky was preparing to deliver a talk in St Petersburg, resulting in numerous injuries.
Trepova, 26, vehemently denied the charges, asserting she believed the statuette contained a listening device and was framed. She claimed to have acted under the instructions of an unidentified Ukrainian contact named Gestalt, communicated through journalist Roman Popkov. Trepova, opposed to Russia’s war in Ukraine, aimed to work there as a journalist.
Charged with “a terrorist act” and “illegal possession of explosive devices,” Trepova accused Ukraine, while Ukrainian officials remained silent. Testifying in court, she explained how Gestalt instructed her to gain Tatarsky’s trust, posing as an art student named Anastasia Kriulina.
Expressing regret and shame, Trepova revealed that Gestalt assured her the statuette contained a wiretap and tracker, with her expressing concerns about a potential bomb. “I feel great pain and shame that a terrorist act was carried out by my own hands,” she stated in court.
Tatarsky, a prominent blogger with over half a million followers, had a controversial past, having joined Russian-backed separatists after serving time for armed robbery. Despite criticizing Russian authorities, he received the posthumous Order of Courage from President Vladimir Putin.
Trepova’s sentencing follows the imprisonment of another pro-war figure, Igor Girkin, former commander of Russian-backed rebels, who received a four-year jail term for “calls to carry out extremist activities.”
Trepova’s sentencing marks one of the harshest penalties imposed on a woman in Russian history. The attack on Tatarsky occurred on April 2, 2023, leading to Trepova facing charges related to a “terrorist act” and the “illegal possession of explosive devices.”
Russian investigators pointed fingers at Ukraine, accusing them of orchestrating the attack. However, Trepova’s testimony indicated she was acting on the directives of Gestalt, a mysterious figure in Ukraine. The identity of Gestalt remains unknown, adding complexity to the investigation.
The sentencing comes amid rising tensions and accusations between Russia and Ukraine. While Ukrainian officials neither confirmed nor denied involvement in the attack, the situation highlights the geopolitical complexities surrounding the conflict.
Trepova’s narrative paints a picture of manipulation, with her expressing remorse for the unintended consequences of her actions. Her case serves as a grim reminder of the intricate web of political motivations and personal vulnerabilities that can lead to tragic outcomes.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the incident sheds light on the challenges faced by those negotiating the blurred lines of conflict and the impact on individuals caught in the crossfire. The aftermath of Trepova’s sentencing prompts reflection on the broader implications of ideological clashes and the human toll they extract.