An explosion at the Balzi Rossi restaurant in central Moscow on August 1 at approximately 8:10 p.m. local time killed five people and injured at least 19 others, according to Russian authorities. The blast occurred during a private celebration reportedly attended by Colonel General Alexander Chaiko, commander of Russia’s Aerospace Forces, who survived the incident. The explosion was caused by a homemade bomb disguised as a gift, which was stopped by security before detonation near the restaurant’s entrance.
The National Anti-Terrorism Committee stated that an unidentified woman carried the device, which contained metal balls and had an estimated explosive force of 1 kilogram of TNT. Russian officials initially reported three deaths and 15 injuries, but later revised the toll to five fatalities and 21 injuries. Emergency services and heavily armed police responded to the scene, and nearby metro stations were temporarily closed.
Casualties and victims
Among the dead was Daniil Peredriy, the 27-year-old son-in-law of General Chaiko, who was a former professional ice hockey player. Chaiko’s 25-year-old daughter, Maria Peredriy, sustained an open traumatic brain injury and remained in critical condition. Two additional victims died in hospital after being critically injured. The identities of the remaining victims have not been disclosed.
Security lapses and operational concerns
The explosion has raised questions about security protocols for high-profile gatherings in Moscow. Dr. Mark Episkopos, a Eurasia research fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, noted that Russia’s military elite have been criticized for flouting operational security by holding such events despite repeated attacks. Episkopos suggested that if Chaiko was the intended target, it could indicate Ukraine’s involvement, given his role in the 2022 Kyiv offensive and his recent appointment to lead Russia’s aerospace forces.
Official responses and accusations
The Russian Embassy in Rome accused Ukraine of orchestrating the attack, stating that the incident was evidence of a "terrorist contagion" spreading from Kyiv. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin condemned the blast as a ‘brutal terrorist act’, while the National Anti-Terrorism Committee labeled it an act of terrorism. No group has claimed responsibility for the bombing.
Traffic restrictions were imposed around Kudrinskaya Square, where the restaurant is located, and investigations are ongoing to determine the bomber’s identity and motives. Authorities have not released further details about the suspect or potential links to external actors.