Explosions hit military hub in Russia’s Vladivostok 6,600km from Ukraine

Series of explosions rocked the Russian Far East city of Vladivostok early on the morning of 16 September, with Ukrainian intelligence sources claiming responsibility for the operation. Russian authorities quickly cordoned off the area and deployed military helicopters while conducting vehicle searches.

The incident occurred around 6:20 am in the Shchitovaya settlement area, according to the Primorsky Krai Anti-Terrorist Commission, which claimed "gas equipment exploded near administrative buildings and a parking area." However, sources within Ukraine's military intelligence service (HUR) told Militarnyi that this was a Ukrainian special operation.

Following the blasts, Russian security forces and military units began mass vehicle inspections at settlement entry points. A military helicopter was deployed to patrol the area, according to Russian media reports.

An eyewitness described the scene to the VChK-OGPU Telegram channel: "There was a very strong explosion around 06:20. Panic began. Then everyone who could came, including the military, a helicopter appeared in the sky. The military told us it was supposedly training."

Russian officials reported no casualties, claiming only several vehicles sustained minor damage while security services worked at the scene.

This marks another incident targeting Russian military facilities in Vladivostok, home to units participating in the war against Ukraine. In late May, explosions struck facilities belonging to the 155th Marine Brigade of the Pacific Fleet, affecting the 47th Airborne Assault Battalion's personnel and equipment in Desantnaya Bay north of the city.

Ukrainian intelligence sources confirmed at the time that the May attack was "the result of a sabotage operation targeting the units of the Russian occupying forces," demonstrating Ukraine's ability to conduct operations deep inside Russian territory, over 6,600 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.