Bombing at Moscow restaurant kills five, targets Russian Aerospace Forces commander General Aleksandr Chayko

The attack

At around 20:00 local time on August 1, 2026, an explosion ripped through the entrance of Balzi Rossi, an upscale Italian restaurant on the ground floor of a Stalinist skyscraper on Kudrinskaya Square in central Moscow. The venue was closed for a private function. A young woman approached carrying a box she said contained a gift. A security guard stopped her at the door and began to inspect the package. The device detonated during that check. The blast killed the woman, the guard, and one guest instantly. Two more victims succumbed to their injuries in hospital, raising the death toll to five by the following day. At least 21 people were wounded, with six in critical condition. The bomb was filled with metal balls and had an estimated explosive power equivalent to roughly one kilogram of TNT. Witnesses reported that the device may have been triggered remotely, and investigators are examining the possibility that the woman was an unwitting courier.

The target

Independent Russian outlets, including Meduza and several Telegram channels, reported that the private event was a belated 55th birthday party for General Aleksandr Chayko, commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS). Chayko turned 55 on July 27, but the celebration took place on August 1. A video filmed before the banquet showed a stage backdrop with the inscription "Alexander 55" and a woman's voice saying, "Preparations are in full swing, Alexander is 55 today." Chayko was appointed to lead the Aerospace Forces in May 2026. He previously commanded the Eastern Military District, whose units were involved in war crimes in Bucha, Ukraine, and he is wanted by Ukrainian authorities. The guest list reportedly included FSB officers, senior military commanders, lawmakers, and government officials. Other generals, such as Major General Vladimir Severstov of the Airborne Forces and Lieutenant General Aleksandr Yarosevich of the Defense Ministry's Transport Security Department, were said to be present but were not reported injured.

Investigation and official response

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin called the explosion a "brutal terrorist attack" and said the injured were receiving full medical care. The National Anti-Terrorism Committee (NAK) confirmed that a homemade explosive device was used. Early official statements had suggested a gas leak, but that was later corrected. The Investigative Committee launched a terrorism probe. Kommersant, citing sources, reported that the bomb was likely detonated remotely and that the woman may not have known she was carrying an explosive. No group has claimed responsibility, and authorities have not publicly identified any suspects or a motive.

Yesterday in Moscow, a brutal terrorist act took place, claiming human lives. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to the injured.

Broader context

The bombing is the latest in a string of attacks on Russian military figures and pro-war activists that Moscow attributes to Ukraine. In August 2022, Daria Dugina, the daughter of nationalist ideologue Alexander Dugin, was killed by a car bomb. In December 2024, General Igor Kirillov, head of Russia's radiological, chemical and biological protection troops, died when a bomb attached to a scooter exploded outside his Moscow apartment building. In 2026, the FSB announced it had stepped up protection for high-ranking officers. The Balzi Rossi attack struck a heavily guarded private event, underscoring the reach of those targeting Russia's military leadership.