Three killed after bomb detonated at Moscow restaurant, state media say

Three individuals were killed and 21 others suffered injuries following a homemade bomb explosion at an Italian restaurant in Moscow, according to Russian state media citing security officials. The incident occurred around 8:00 PM local time near Kudrinskaya square in the city center. The National Anti-Terrorist Committee confirmed that a woman carrying the explosives attempted to enter the establishment, but was halted by a security guard.

The explosion claimed the lives of the woman, the guard, and a restaurant guest who was attending a private event. The authorities have not yet identified a specific target, but many Muscovites suspect a connection to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Moscow's Mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, described the attack as a brutal act of terror resulting in loss of life, but provided no additional information, stating that law enforcement agencies are investigating the incident.

Recent years have seen the assassination of several high-ranking Russian military officials in and around the capital, with Moscow attributing these acts to Kyiv. The restaurant, situated in a classic Stalin-era skyscraper, temporarily closed off surrounding roads. Dozens of cyclists, who were gathering for an evening ride, were forced to cancel their plans due to the chaos.

Video footage released by Russia's RIA news agency depicted heavily armed law enforcement officers securing the scene, which was off-limits to the public. The Balzi Rossi restaurant expressed regret over its initial social media post, stating that it was removed due to its inappropriateness under the circumstances. The restaurant assured that it had implemented measures to prevent future occurrences, with staff concentrating on aiding guests and emergency services during the incident.