'I Don’t Remember the Attack': Russian Model Breaks Silence After Skull Surgery

Russian model Angelika Tartanova has given her first brief comments to journalists following a brutal assault in which she accused her boyfriend, Dmitry Kuzmin, of beating her so severely that she fell into a coma. Footage aired in Let Them Talk TV show depicted the 33-year-old woman in a hospital bed after undergoing a craniotomy, during which doctors removed part of her skull. Tartanova said she does not remember the details of the attack.

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Paramedics

Angelika Tartanova Reported Missing in Early December

The disappearance of the social media model became public on December 9, when her sisters reported that she had stopped responding after communicating with her boyfriend. According to relatives, they had not heard from her for two weeks.

One of Tartanova's acquaintances said her mobile phones and documents were left behind in her Moscow apartment. Neighbors reported seeing her shortly before her disappearance with a man significantly older than her. Family members, who were not familiar with her new partner, expressed fears that he may have harmed her.

Shortly afterward, Tartanova was found in intensive care at Moscow's City Clinical Hospital No. 1 named after N. I. Pirogov. She had spent two weeks in a neurosurgical unit with multiple severe injuries.

Severe Injuries and a Mysterious Use of Her Phone

Tartanova managed to tell doctors that she had been beaten by her partner. She said he struck her with such force that she was unable to stand or speak. She also stated that another woman was present in the apartment at the time, though her identity remains unknown.

After the assault, Tartanova reportedly called an ambulance herself. On November 23, doctors diagnosed her with a traumatic brain injury, severe brain contusion, an intracerebral hematoma, and cerebral edema. She underwent emergency craniotomy and lost part of her skull. Several media outlets reported that she later fell into a coma.

For about a week, someone continued responding to messages from Tartanova's phone while she was already in intensive care and had no access to her device. The last messages were sent on November 30. Relatives noted that replies during this period were unusually cold and brief.

Her son received short responses such as "I'm fine, sleeping,” instead of her usual affectionate messages. Messages also claimed she could not call due to poor mobile coverage in Moscow. All replies were sent either late in the evening or at night.

Boyfriend Dmitry Kuzmin Accused of the Assault

Before falling into a coma, Tartanova named her alleged attacker as 41-year-old Dmitry Kuzmin, who fled after the incident. Police opened a criminal case under Article 111 of the Russian Criminal Code for intentional infliction of grievous bodily harm.

After his arrest, a court placed Kuzmin under house arrest for one month and 24 days. Investigators say the couple was together in Tartanova's apartment when an argument broke out. Kuzmin allegedly struck her on the head, causing life-threatening injuries.

Kuzmin is known as the owner of a construction company specializing in road design and construction. Founded in 2022, the company reported no losses and posted revenues of approximately eight million rubles last year.

It also emerged that Kuzmin divorced his wife eight years ago and has no children. His former spouse stated that he never showed aggression or physical violence toward her.

Family Says Tartanova Lived Under Control and Fear

Tartanova's sister, Anastasia Beloglazova, said the model had previously complained about Kuzmin's behavior. According to relatives, he restricted her contact with friends, closely monitored her actions, and had used physical force before.

"It was clear she was hiding something. She wanted to run away and was packing her suitcases,” family members said.

Memory Loss After Coma and Uncertain Recovery

After 18 days, doctors stabilized Tartanova's condition. However, following two craniotomies, she suffered severe memory loss and does not recognize her parents or her 16-year-old son.

The postoperative period was complicated by hallucinations and seizures. Doctors said she tore off monitoring sensors and did not respond to questions. She is now being prepared for transfer to a rehabilitation center.

Medical specialists say her memory is expected to return, but the timeline remains uncertain.