Golubev had a role in planning and then carrying out Operation Storm-333, the overthrow of incumbent president Hafizullah Amin, in November and December 1979. In late November Golubev, then with the rank of colonel, took command of a detachment of the Zenit Spetsnaz group which had arrived in Bagram disguised as technical workers. Golubev commanded the group during the military assault on Amin's headquarters at the Tajbeg Palace.