Two explosions in the early hours of 30 May near Desantnaya Bay in Russia’s Vladivostok were part of a planned operation by Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR), according to Ukrainian outlets RBC-Ukraine and UNIAN.

Sources say the blasts targeted the 47th Separate Air Assault Battalion of Russia’s 155th Guards Naval Infantry Brigade (Unit No. 30926). One explosion reportedly struck a checkpoint, the other hit an area housing personnel and commanders.

This brigade has been actively involved in combat against Ukraine, including documented deployments in Mariupol, Vuhledar, and Kursk Oblast.

Injuries and equipment losses reported by media

According to the same sources, the attack caused injuries and material damage.

“Personnel, military equipment, and special assets were hit,” the reports quoted unnamed intelligence sources as saying.

Citing local residents, RBC reported that at least ten ambulances and an evacuation helicopter arrived at the scene. Damaged military hardware was reportedly removed from the site using Russian military URAL trucks.

Russian media report explosions in Russian Vladivostok in the area of a marine training ground.

It is reported that the road in the area of the incident was blocked, eyewitnesses reported a helicopter flying over the site. Special and emergency services arrived at the scene, and… pic.twitter.com/QUYtRbXumo

— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) May 30, 2025

Russian officials: Gas leak caused the blasts

Russian authorities confirmed two explosions but denied any casualties or damage. The Anti-Terrorism Commission of Primorsky Krai attributed the incident to the ignition of gas cylinders.

Emergency services cordoned off the area, and traffic between Shamora Bay and the village of Shchitovaya was partially restricted.

“The threat has been neutralized,” officials stated.

Tightened security and conflicting accounts

Local media and Telegram channels, including VChK-OGPU and Vladivostok1.ru, reported heavy police and military presence in the area. Roads were blocked, vehicles inspected, and helicopters were seen flying before the blasts.

Witnesses described the removal of large, tarp-covered objects—possibly military vehicles—under guard. The Telegram channel The True Story reported that the location is used for loading and unloading military equipment for naval deployment.

According to Radio Svoboda, Desantnaya Bay may also house a training ground for the Pacific Fleet’s naval infantry, which has taken part in combat operations against Ukraine.

Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) was behind explosions near Desantnaya Bay in Russia's Vladivostok on May 30, which reportedly damaged military personnel and equipment, a source in HUR told the Kyiv Independent.

If confirmed, the Vladivostok operation would be Ukraine's furthest incursion into Russian territory - approximately 6,800 kilometres from the Ukrainian border.

According to the source, two blasts occurred early in the morning at a site where Russia's 47th Separate Air Assault Battalion of the 155th Separate Guards Marine Brigade was stationed.

The 155th Marine Brigade has been actively involved in the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, including battles in Mariupol and Vuhledar in Donetsk Oblast, as well as operations in Russia's Kursk Oblast.

Local media reported two loud bangs, followed by temporary road closures and emergency vehicles seen in the area, but did not mention anything about a military base.

Russia's Anti-Terrorist Commission of Primorsky Krai attributed the explosions to the ignition of propane-butane cylinders inside a vehicle. No official casualties have been reported.

One of the explosions allegedly happened near a checkpoint, while the other hit the location of personnel and the unit's command.

"Manpower, military equipment, and special equipment were hit," the source claimed.

The Kyiv Independent could not verify these claims.

Desantnaya Bay is located in Vladivostok in Russia's Far East, which lies some 185 kilometres (114 miles) from the Russian-North Korean border.

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