Explosions reported at Russian military site in Vladivostok linked to Ukrainian operation – reports

A series of explosions that occurred early on Friday in the Desantnaya district of Vladivostok, Russia, may have been the result of a covert operation carried out by Ukraine’s military intelligence, Ukrainian media reports citing unnamed sources.

The Ukrainian outlets Unian and RBK-Ukraine reported that at least two blasts took place near the deployment site of Russia’s 47th Airborne Assault Battalion, part of the 155th Marine Brigade of the Russian Pacific Fleet.

The explosions reportedly targeted two locations - a checkpoint and an area believed to house personnel and command staff of the unit. The anonymous source cited by both publications claimed that the incident caused damage to military personnel, equipment, and unspecified special means, though no detailed evidence was provided.

Local residents reported a large emergency response, including the arrival of at least 10 ambulances and an evacuation helicopter.

The 155th Marine Brigade has previously been involved in Russia’s military operations in Mariupol and Ugledar in Ukraine, as well as in the Kursk region of Russia, according to Ukrainian sources.

The incident occurred in a heavily militarised area of Vladivostok that hosts several key military installations, including the headquarters of the Russian Pacific Fleet and its main training ground. The Telegram channel The True Story claimed that the explosion occurred at a site used for loading military equipment onto naval vessels.

Russian authorities have offered a different explanation. The government of the Primorye region said later in the day that the blasts were caused by “the ignition of cylinders containing a propane-butane mixture” in a vehicle. Officials said there were no casualties and that no administrative buildings were damaged. Access to the area has since been restricted.