Angelika Tartanova Lost Part of Her Skull After Brutal Beating by Boyfriend

In late November 2025, 33-year-old Russian model Angelika Tartanova suffered life-threatening injuries after her boyfriend, wealthy construction businessman Dmitry Kuzmin, attacked her in a Moscow apartment. The assault left her with severe brain damage and required doctors to remove a large portion of her skull.

The Attack and Critical Injuries

Tartanova and Kuzmin had been in a relationship for several months. According to investigators, an argument broke out around November 22 or 23. Kuzmin struck her repeatedly on the head. She lost consciousness and later managed to seek help. Family members grew alarmed when they could not reach her for days and reported her missing. Authorities eventually located her in a Moscow hospital, where she had already spent nearly two weeks in intensive care.

Doctors diagnosed a severe traumatic brain injury, brain contusion, intracerebral hematoma, and dangerous swelling. Surgeons performed an emergency craniotomy, removing part of her skull to relieve pressure on the brain. Tartanova remained unable to speak for months and faced major memory and coordination problems. She required multiple operations and extensive rehabilitation. Reports described her as having lost nearly half her skull in the process of saving her life.

Legal Case Against Kuzmin

Police charged Kuzmin with causing grievous bodily harm. The case was later elevated in seriousness, with some reports describing it as attempted murder. He faced a potential prison sentence of up to eight years. A court placed him under house arrest while the investigation continued. Kuzmin, who ran a successful road-construction business, denied full responsibility in some accounts, but the evidence pointed to him as the attacker.

Before the case reached trial, Kuzmin died suddenly of a heart attack in late April 2026 while still under house arrest. His lawyer confirmed he had pre-existing heart problems and had undergone previous surgeries. Strong emotional stress from the criminal case was also noted.

Recovery Continues

Tartanova survived the assault and continues her long recovery. She has spoken briefly about memory gaps surrounding the attack and the lasting physical and emotional effects. Earlier in the process, discussions of a settlement for medical support took place, though the criminal case remained separate until Kuzmin’s death.

The case drew widespread attention in Russia for its brutality and the stark contrast between Tartanova’s former modeling career and her fight to rebuild her life after the violence.

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