Moscow restaurant bomb attack kills 5, injures 21; Russian Aerospace Forces general likely target

Published Aug 2, 12:44 PM UTC

On August 2, 2026, a bomb explosion at the upscale Balzi Rossi restaurant in Moscow killed five people and injured 21. The attack occurred during a birthday celebration for General Alexander Tchaiko, commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces, who was reportedly the intended target but survived. A young woman carrying a gift box was stopped at the entrance; when forced to open it, the bomb was detonated remotely, killing her and sending shrapnel into the crowd. Russian media suspect Ukrainian involvement, citing a series of similar attacks on high-ranking Russian military officers in Moscow since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, including the 2024 killing of General Igor Kirillov. However, the article also notes significant internal hatred within the Russian armed forces toward their leadership, suggesting possible domestic motives. General Tchaiko was previously sanctioned by the EU for war crimes in Bucha.

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