Authorities have cleared the police cordon surrounding the Balzi Rossi Italian restaurant on Kudrinskaya Square, and investigators have concluded their primary work at the location. The site, which was recently occupied by armed police and emergency response teams, now displays the physical damage of a lethal explosion, including broken glass and scarred exterior walls.
Official reports from Russian state media indicate that three individuals died and 21 were injured in the incident. According to the National Anti-Terrorism Committee, a woman carrying an improvised explosive device attempted to enter the building. Speculation from local news outlets suggests she may have been an unwitting courier delivering a package to a private event. A security guard reportedly stopped her, leading to the device’s immediate detonation.
While the Kremlin has remained silent, the Russian Embassy in Italy publicly accused Ukraine of orchestrating the attack, characterizing it as a terrorist act intended to intimidate Italians in Russia. Although unconfirmed, rumors circulate that a high-ranking military official was among the attendees at the private dinner.
The public reaction on Kudrinskaya Square remains tense, with many residents drawing parallels to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Local observers, such as resident Alexandra, expressed deep shock, while others voiced anger toward Western nations. Despite the severity of the event, Russian state television news gave the bombing minimal attention, focusing instead on other domestic and international developments. Analysts suggest this lack of coverage indicates a calculated effort by officials to prevent widespread public anxiety.
