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

At least three individuals were killed and 21 others were injured when a homemade explosive device exploded at an Italian restaurant in Moscow, according to Russian state media quoting security officials. The blast occurred around 20:00 local time (17:00 GMT) on Kudrinskaya square, situated in the city center. The National Anti-Terrorist Committee revealed that a woman attempted to enter the restaurant with the explosives but was prevented by a security guard.

The device subsequently detonated, causing the deaths of the woman, the guard, and a restaurant visitor who had attended a private event.

The identity of the intended target remains unknown, but many Muscovites suspect a connection to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Moscow's mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, described the incident as a "cruel act of terror" that resulted in the loss of human lives. He did not provide further details, stating that law enforcement agencies are investigating the incident.

In recent years, several high-ranking Russian military personnel have been assassinated in and around the Russian capital, with Moscow attributing those attacks to Kyiv. Initial reports suggested the blast took place inside the restaurant's kitchen; however, the restaurant later clarified that the incident occurred outside. The restaurant, located in a prominent Stalin-era skyscraper, caused nearby roads to be temporarily closed.

The Balzi Rossi restaurant issued an apology on social media for its initial statement, which was deemed highly inappropriate given the circumstances. They clarified that they had initially posted on Instagram that the premises were safe. The establishment stated that they have taken measures to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future, with their staff concentrating on aiding guests and emergency services at the time of the explosion.