Bomb detonates at Moscow restaurant, killing three and suspect in high-security area

A bomb detonated at an upscale Italian restaurant in central Moscow on Saturday, August 1, 2026, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. The explosion occurred near the Balzi Rossi restaurant on Kudrinskaya Square, also injuring at least 21 people with varying degrees of seriousness. The incident took place just before 8 p.m. local time.

Authorities reported that an unidentified woman, a security guard, and a restaurant patron were among those killed in the blast. The National Anti-Terrorism Committee stated that the woman attempted to carry an improvised explosive device into the establishment but was stopped by a security guard before it detonated.

Investigations are currently underway to determine the woman's identity and the motive behind the attack. Some reports suggest the woman may not have been aware the device was a bomb and that it could have been detonated remotely.