On the evening of 1 August, a powerful explosion occurred outside the Balzi Rossi restaurant on Kudrinskaya Square in central Moscow. The restaurant is located on the ground floor of a Stalinist-era high-rise building near the «Barikadnaya» metro station. According to the latest reports, three people were killed and at least 21 others were injured. Russian security forces stated that the explosion was caused by a homemade explosive device brought into the restaurant by a woman.
Briefly about the main points
- The explosion took place on the evening of 1 August near the Balzi Rossi restaurant in central Moscow.
- Three people were killed and at least 21 were injured.
- Among the dead were the woman who brought the device, a security guard and a visitor.
- The homemade bomb may have been hidden in a box containing what appeared to be a gift.
- A private banquet was taking place at the restaurant at the time of the explosion.
- Russian channels are naming General Alexander Chaika as a possible target.
An explosive device went off near the entrance
According to the investigation’s preliminary findings, the woman approached the restaurant’s security staff with a box and said she had brought a present for one of the guests. The security guard did not allow her to enter and began to inspect the package, after which an explosion occurred.
The woman and the security guard died at the scene. The third victim was a patron of the establishment. The figures regarding the number of casualties fluctuated: initially, 15–20 people were reported to have been injured, but this figure was later revised to at least 21.
According to Reuters, the explosion occurred shortly before 8.00 pm local time. Russian law enforcement agencies are investigating the possibility that the woman may not have been aware of the box’s true contents, and that the device was detonated remotely.
Russian media estimate the bomb’s explosive power at approximately one kilogram in TNT equivalent. It is reported that the device was packed with fragmentation elements. These specifications are yet to be definitively confirmed by experts.
A private banquet was held at the restaurant
Balzi Rossi was closed to the general public on 1 August due to a private event. Police were at the scene following the explosion, Russian National Guard, bomb disposal experts and FSB officers.
Contradictory accounts have emerged in Russian sources regarding the nature of the event. Some eyewitnesses spoke of a wedding with around 50 guests. Other channels claim that the restaurant was hosting a celebration to mark the 55th birthday of a colonel-general Oleksandra Chaika and his appointment as Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Federation’s Aerospace Forces.
In the footage released showing the preparation of the premises, what appears to be a backdrop bearing the inscription «Alexander 55» can be seen. Cars and specialised vehicles with military number plates were also spotted near the high-rise building.
The guest list for the private banquet is not officially disclosed.
Was General Oleksandr Chaiko the target?
Russian Telegram channels are naming Chaika as the likely target of the explosion. According to initial reports, he may have been in the restaurant but was unharmed. However, neither the Russian authorities nor the investigators have officially confirmed that the general was at the event or that the explosion was specifically targeted at him.
Therefore, the claim that an attempt was made on Chaika’s life remains one of several theories, rather than an established fact. The identities of those behind the bombing and their motives have also not been revealed.
Chaiko has been appointed head of the Russian Aerospace Forces by decree Vladimir Putin in May 2026, having changed Viktor Afzalov. The Russian Ministry of Defence subsequently confirmed the appointment.
Chaika is linked to crimes in the Kyiv region
At the start of the full-scale invasion, Alexander Chaiko commanded the troops of the Russian Federation’s Eastern Military District and was one of the most senior Russian commanders during the advance on Kyiv.
In March 2026, the European Union imposed sanctions against him sanctions, describing Chaika as the senior Russian commander who led the troops during their advance into Bucha.
Human rights activists have documented mass killings, torture, enforced disappearances and other alleged war crimes committed by Russian troops in Bucha. Detailed testimonies and the findings of the investigation were published by Human Rights Watch.
The investigation into the explosion at Balzi Rossi is ongoing. At present, there is no confirmed information regarding the perpetrators, those who ordered the attack, or the involvement of any state or organisation.
