Vladlen Tatarsky, known by his pen name Maksim Fomin, was a blogger who gained fame in Russia for his role in the Donbas conflict. Originally from Ukraine's Donbas region, Fomin transformed remarkably from a Ukrainian bank robber to a celebrated figure in the Russian war effort. However, his journey took a bizarre turn when he was assassinated during a cafe event in St. Petersburg. Fomin's assassination and attacks on other ultranationalist figures indicate the escalating violence between Russia and Ukraine.
The assassination of Fomin stands out due to its devious nature. He was killed by a bomb hidden inside a tacky gilded figurine given to him by a young woman posing as a fan. The woman, later identified as Darya Trepova, was a Russian anti-war activist who seemed unaware of the bomb's presence. This incident, captured on video, circulated on Russian Telegram channels, raising questions about the motive behind the attack.
Ukrainian officials have been hinting at their involvement in the attacks on Russian ultranationalist figures. The chief of Ukraine's military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, mentioned "well-publicized cases" involving Russian propagandists as potential targets. Both Ukrainian and Russian media have interpreted these statements as an admission of responsibility.
The term "attentat," used by a former Russian politician to describe the attack on Fomin/Tatarsky, refers to political assassinations carried out by the Organisation of Ukrainian Nationalists in the 1930s. Today, it is used by self-proclaimed heirs of the OUN to describe a series of political assassinations after the Euromaidan revolution.
Fomin's funeral, marked by the presence of military personnel and nationalist activists, highlighted the complexity of the conflict. Yevgeny Prigozhin, the owner of the Wagner Group, a notorious army of convicts, attended the funeral and placed a sledgehammer in Fomin's grave. This tool was featured in a gruesome video supposedly showing the execution of a Wagner Group member who had betrayed the group.
Fomin's literary legacy also sets him apart from other military bloggers. His writing reflects the dark landscape of the Donbas region, blending intense emotions, post-Soviet cynicism, religious and political polytheism, and a sense of hopelessness. While less literary than some, his account of his exploits in Donbas captures the region's spirit.
Fomin's life took a dramatic turn when he ended up in prison just as the Maidan revolution and the war in Donbas unfolded. While in prison, he became a chief money-lender and was involved in religious communities. He initially supported the Maidan revolution but switched allegiance when Russian forces entered Crimea. Released from prison by pro-Russian militias, Fomin joined the war effort in Donbas.
The story of Vladlen Tatarsky/Maksim Fomin illustrates the complex and murky world of the Donbas conflict, where criminals and secret services play a significant role. It also sheds light on the escalating violence between Russia and Ukraine and the involvement of ultranationalist figures on both sides.
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