A homemade bomb detonated outside an upscale Italian restaurant in central Moscow on Saturday evening, killing three people and injuring at least 21 others, according to Russian authorities.
An explosion occurred shortly before 8 p.m. local time near the Balzi Rossi Italian restaurant located at Kudrinkskaya Square, housed in one of Moscow's distinctive Stalin-era skyscrapers. Russian authorities reported that a woman attempted to enter the restaurant but was prevented by security personnel. According to Russia's Anti-Terrorism Committee, the woman, a security guard, and a customer were killed in the subsequent blast. Police stated that those injured sustained wounds of varying severity.
The circumstances surrounding the explosion remain unclear. While authorities confirmed the device was homemade, they have not publicly identified those responsible or provide details about potential motives. Heavily armed law enforcement secured the scene, which was closed to the public.
According to reporting by the Kommersant daily newspaper, which cited unnamed sources, the bomb may have been intended to target diners on the restaurant's outdoor summer terrace. The newspaper suggested the device was detonated remotely and that the woman carrying it may not have been aware she was transporting an explosive device. The restaurant's website indicated the venue had been closed on Saturday for a private event.
The incident occurs within the context of ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Earlier this year, Russia's FSB security service announced enhanced protection measures for high-ranking military officials following a series of assassinations and attempted killings that Moscow has attributed to Kyiv.
