An improvised explosive device detonated outside the Balzi Rossi Italian restaurant in Moscow on Saturday night, killing three people and injuring 21 others. Russian state media reported that a woman carrying the device attempted to enter the restaurant but was stopped by a security guard. The device detonated shortly after.
Investigators on Sunday cordoned off the scene on Kudrinskaya Square, where evidence of the blast, including shattered windows and pock-marked walls, was visible. Authorities believe the woman may have been a courier unaware of the bomb's contents, potentially attempting to deliver a package to guests at a private function.
The Kremlin has not yet officially commented on the incident. However, the Russian Embassy in Italy released a statement on Sunday, attributing the attack to "Kyiv terrorists" and suggesting the perpetrators aimed to "scare Italians working in Russia."
While the Russian government has not officially identified a target, unconfirmed reports suggest a senior Russian military commander may have been present at the restaurant. No official confirmation of the guest list has been provided.
Some individuals near the scene expressed a belief that the explosion was connected to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Others voiced anger towards Western support for Ukraine, with one individual directing animosity towards media coverage of Russian President Vladimir Putin. One witness, Alexandra, who was walking her dog nearby, described hearing a loud bang and realizing it was an explosion, stating it was a "terrible" event.
The incident received minimal coverage on Russian state television over the weekend. A Sunday morning news bulletin on Russia-1 focused on Russian strikes in Ukraine, military and professional holidays, and developments concerning Donald Trump and Iran, omitting any mention of the Moscow restaurant bombing. This limited coverage may indicate an effort by Russian authorities to prevent public alarm.