A blast caused by a homemade bomb killed three and injured 21 others in an upscale restaurant in Central Moscow on Saturday evening.
Russia’s National Anti-Terrorism Committee said that the the bomber, an unidentified woman who died in the blast, was carrying an improvised explosive device. She carried the device into the prestigious Balzi Rossi on Kudrinskaya Square shortly before 8 pm but was stopped by a security guard.
The device was detonated near the restaurant's summer terrace, and the bomber, the guard and one guest were killed.
Unverified reports say that the restaurant was hosting a private birthday banquet for Alexandre Tchaïko, the commander of the Russian Air Force, who was present at the event. The restaurant website said that it was closed on Saturday for a private event.
The Ministry of Interior said the blast occurred at about 8pm.
Initial reports said that the explosion may have been caused by a gas canister.
Russian reports have not confirmed speculations that Tchaïko was at the party or if he was the target. Tchaïko, was appointed commander-in-chief of Russia’s Aerospace Forces in May.
Footage circulated on social media showed preparations around a stage marked ‘Aleksandr 55’. Tchaïko turned 55 on 27 July. Tchaïko is one of the country’s highest military figures. He led the Eastern Military District during the launch of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Kommersant, a Russian daily, reported that the fragmentation bomb was disguised as a gift and may have been detonated remotely as the guard inspected it, possibly without the courier knowing what she was carrying.
Russia has faced several similar attacks since the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022. They have blamed Kyiv for a number of attacks and an attempted assassination on many of its top generals.
In April 2025, Russia blamed Ukraine for the killing of a senior general, Yaroslav Moskalik, in a car bomb
