©Alexey Larionov via Unsplash
Russian and Ukrainian media report that General Alexander Chayko, commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces, was the target of the explosion that struck a restaurant in central Moscow on August 1. According to a source who spoke with The Kyiv Independent, the attack was reportedly aimed at Balzi Rossi, an Italian restaurant on Kudrinskaya Square where a private event was taking place that evening.
According to Russian authorities, three people were killed and more than twenty others were injured in the explosion; later reports put the number of injured at 21. Russian media reported that a woman attempted to bring what appeared to be a gift into the restaurant but was stopped by security. Shortly thereafter, the explosive device detonated; according to Kommersant, it may have been detonated remotely. Russian authorities have called the incident a terrorist attack but have not publicly confirmed exactly who the target was.
Several sources have cited a suspected link to Chayko. Local and independent media reported that the event may have been celebrating his 55th birthday; footage of the attack reportedly even showed the words “Alexander 55.” The Kyiv Independent reports that the source could not provide any information about Chayko’s condition or any injuries he may have sustained. Russian independent media also reported that family members of the general, including his daughter Maria Chayko and her husband, may have been injured.
The explosion is part of a series of targeted attacks and sabotage incidents in Russia since the large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In recent months, there have also been reports of attacks on individuals associated with the Russian war industry and military structures. At the time of publication, Ukrainian authorities had not yet commented on the explosion in Moscow. The incident once again underscores how the war is being felt deep within Russia, far from the front lines.
©Alexey Larionov via Unsplash - illustrative image.