Artem Timofejev,a former DJ,and his wife,Ekaterina,an erotic writer and stylist,are now the subjects of an intense search by Russian authorities. The couple is suspected of playing a central role in what some are calling russia’s “Pearl Harbor”-a extensive drone attack on russian air bases.

The Allegations: A Haulage Company Used for Covert Operations

According to reports, Artem Timofejev, born in the Donetsk region in 1988, established a haulage company in Tjeljabinsk in late 2024. He acquired approximately ten trucks, which Ukrainian security services allegedly used to transport drones and explosives to six different Russian air bases. This operation has been dubbed “Russia’s Pearl Harbor.”

The Attack and Its Aftermath

• Comprehensive Drone Attack: Ukraine reportedly carried out a large-scale drone attack on Russian air bases.
• Operation “Web”: The operation, planned for over a year and a half by Ukraine’s security service (SBU), aimed to cripple Russian air power.
• Critically important Damage: reports indicate that over 40 Russian bombers were destroyed, with total damages estimated at just under SEK 20 billion.
• Official Confirmation: The Russian Department of Defence confirmed the attacks, labeling them as “terrorist attacks.”
• Retaliation: Russia responded with robot attacks against Ukraine, resulting in casualties.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj characterized the operation as having achieved a brilliant result.

The Couple’s background

Ekaterina, also born in Ukraine, married Artem in 2016. before the alleged involvement in the drone attacks, Ekaterina worked as a stylist and erotic writer. The New York Post mentioned one of her short stories, I expired while you loved me. Artem obtained Russian citizenship in 2018 and worked as a DJ and in a clothing store before entering the haulage industry.

The Trucks and the Unwitting Drivers

At least four of the trucks from Artem’s company are suspected of being involved in the drone attack, which reportedly occurred on the couple’s wedding anniversary, according to The base.

According to Meduza, the truck drivers were allegedly unaware of the cargo they were transporting.As they approached the air bases,they received instructions via phone call regarding delivery locations and timing. All truck drivers have reportedly been arrested.

Official Search and Missing Details

The official search by Russian authorities does not mention the drone attack, focusing instead on an “attempted crime.” However, data suggests that a total of 41 Russian strategic bombers, some with nuclear capabilities, were destroyed in the attack.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has not yet commented on the attack.

Further Reading

• Putin’s locking after the drones – the danger of answers
• The details behind Ukraine’s massive attack
• Three dead in new Russian attack against Sumy

Distant City, Present Threat

Vladivostok, a city in eastern Russia, sits more than 850 miles from the front lines of the conflict. Though, recent events suggest that distance offers no guarantee of safety for Russian forces.

Alleged Ukrainian strike

According to the Kiev Independent, ukraine has claimed responsibility for an attack in Vladivostok targeting a Russian elite military association. The incident reportedly occurred on Friday, raising questions about the reach and capabilities of Ukrainian forces.

Details Emerge of Reported Explosions

Russian media outlets reported hearing two loud explosions on the outskirts of Vladivostok Friday morning. Following the blasts, authorities cordoned off an area near Desantnay Gulf, a bay reportedly used by Russian marine elite forces for training exercises, according to the Moscow Times.

A source from Ukraine’s military intelligence service reportedly told the newspaper:

Personnel, military equipment and special resources met.

Ukrainian Military Intelligence Source

Official Response and contradictory Reports

Local authorities have stated that no casualties were reported in the incident,attributing the explosions to a gas leak. A rescue officer stated, The threat has been neutralized by law enforcement authorities. However, the alleged Ukrainian involvement casts doubt on this explanation.

The 155th Marine Infantry Brigade

The 155th Marine Infantry Brigade, part of Russia’s Pacific Fleet, is based in Desantnay Gulf. This brigade has reportedly been involved in intense fighting in key areas of the conflict,including Mariupol,Kursk,and Avdiivka,according to the Kiev Independent.

Allegations of War Crimes

The 155th Marine Infantry Brigade has faced serious accusations of war crimes as the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine in 2022. Thes allegations include disturbing incidents of violence against Ukrainian soldiers.

In august 2024, the Russian Insider reported the revelation of four deceased Ukrainian soldiers in the Belgorod region who had been beheaded, with their heads placed on piles. A video allegedly showed Russian soldiers displaying a head and issuing threats of future attacks.

Furthermore, Forbes reported that in October, soldiers from the 155th Marine Infantry Brigade allegedly overpowered a group of Ukrainian drone operators during a counter-offensive in Kursk. Instead of taking them as prisoners, the Ukrainian soldiers were reportedly stripped, forced to lie on the ground, and then killed.