According to Russian state television, which quotes security sources, a handmade explosive device went off inside an Italian restaurant in Moscow, killing at least three people and injuring twenty-one more. The explosion occurred on Kudrinskaya Square, close to the city center, at around 20:00 local time (17:00 GMT). A security guard stopped a woman carrying explosives from entering the restaurant, according to the National Anti-Terrorist Committee.
The woman, the guard, and a guest at the Balzi Rossi restaurant, which was hosting a private event, were all killed when the device exploded. Many Muscovites would suspect a connection to the conflict in Ukraine, even if authorities have not stated who they think was the target.
The explosion was described as “a cruel act of terror which took human lives” by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin.
Other than stating that law enforcement agencies were investigating what had occurred, he provided no further information.
Numerous high-ranking Russian military officials have been killed in and around the country’s capital in recent years. Kyiv has been held accountable for such strikes by Moscow.
The restaurant later released a statement stating that “there was a problem outside” despite initial claims that the explosion occurred in the kitchen.
Roads surrounding the area are momentarily closed, and the restaurant is housed in one of Moscow’s well-known skyscrapers from the Stalin era.
Numerous bikers had planned to ride through the city in the evening, but the event was called off.
Russia’s RIA news agency released footage of heavily armed police personnel at the location, which was off-limits to the general population.
The Balzi Rossi restaurant expressed regret on social media for its first post following the explosion, stating that it had been taken down “because it was highly inappropriate given the circumstances.”
It had initially stated on Instagram that everything was secure on the property, according to state media.
The restaurant stated that staff members were concentrating on helping customers and emergency services at the time and that steps had been taken to ensure it wouldn’t happen again.
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