Two people wounded in the explosion outside the Balzi Rossi restaurant on Kudrinskaya Square have died in hospital, raising the death toll to five, according to sources cited by Russian media. More than six people remain in serious condition. The National Anti-Terrorism Committee had earlier reported three deaths: a woman who, according to investigators, brought the improvised explosive device, a security guard, and one visitor.
The blast occurred on the evening of August 1, when the restaurant was closed for a private event. According to a preliminary version cited by Kommersant, a security guard stopped the woman, who was carrying a box and claimed it was a gift for guests. When he decided to inspect the contents, the device — with a power of about one kilogram in TNT equivalent and packed with metal balls — detonated. It was likely triggered remotely, and the woman may not have known what was in the box. She died on the spot along with the guard and one guest who was on the terrace. Another 21 people were injured.
The Investigative Committee opened a criminal case on charges of a terrorist attack. The official target of the attack has not been named. Russian media and Telegram channels, including blogger Anatoly Sharii and the VChK-OGPU channel, have speculated that the target may have been a private event marking the birthday of General Alexander Chaiko, commander-in-chief of Russia's Aerospace Forces. As indirect evidence, they cite the inscription "Alexander 55" seen on the restaurant's stage. There is no official confirmation of this information.
According to VChK-OGPU, Chaiko turned 55 on July 27. He became commander-in-chief of the Aerospace Forces in May of this year, and in 2022 commanded troops of the Eastern Military District. Ukrainian authorities believe he is linked to crimes committed by Russian soldiers in Bucha. Chaiko was not injured in the blast.
Investigative work at the scene has been completed and the cordon around the restaurant has been lifted. After the explosion, the Balzi Rossi restaurant said it was ready to help the families of the dead and injured. The management also apologized for a social media post published shortly after the incident that said "everything is fine." The post was later deleted.
Sources differ: the National Anti-Terrorism Committee officially reported three deaths at the scene, while Russian Telegram channels, including 112 and Baza, report five deaths including those who died in hospital. The VChK-OGPU channel also notes that the man described as the dead security guard was likely an employee of the Federal Protective Service (FSO), though there is no official confirmation of this.