Outside the Moscow restaurant where bomb killed three
The BBC's Russia editor reports from Kudrinskaya Square, where the blast took place.
On Kudrinskaya Square, the police cordon has been removed from outside the Balzi Rossi Italian restaurant. Following Saturday's night, heavily armed police had surrounded the scene, while ambulances and emergency vehicles lined up nearby. Signs of the explosion were evident nearby: a shattered window, damaged walls - the result of a bomb blast.
Russian state media reported at least three fatalities and 21 injuries. The National Anti-Terrorism Committee in Russia suspects an improvised explosive device was intended to be carried by a woman attempting to enter the restaurant. Some news sources have speculated she may have been delivering a package for a private dinner guest and was unaware of the contents.
A security guard had thwarted her entry before the device detonated. Reports have emerged, albeit unconfirmed, that a high-ranking Russian military leader was present that evening. The Kremlin has not yet addressed the incident, but the Russian Embassy in Italy attributed the restaurant attack to Ukraine. They claimed "Kyiv terrorists" targeted Italians working in Russia.
The incident has galvanized locals, with many attributing the explosion to the ongoing war in Ukraine. "The explosions, the deaths, they frighten me," a resident named Ludmila expressed. "It's probably linked to the war." "This is the work of Britain, this is your work," Galina angrily accused, pointing to UK support for Ukraine.
Alexandra, who walked her dog near the restaurant when the blast occurred, recounted hearing a loud bang and immediately understanding the cause. "I live here in the building. It's terrible. I don't know how I'm going to cope with this." Despite the gravity of the event, Russian TV barely covered the Moscow restaurant bombing over the weekend.
The Sunday morning news briefing on Russia-1 focused on Russian strikes in Ukraine, celebrations of military days, and international news about Donald Trump and Iran, with no reference to the explosion. This could be an attempt by Russian authorities to prevent alarm among the public.
Written by urgent.news from BBC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
