At least three people were killed and 21 others were injured after a homemade explosive device was detonated at an Italian restaurant in central Moscow, Russian state media reported, citing security officials. The blast took place at about 20:00 local time (17:00 GMT) on Kudrinskaya Square, near the city centre. Attempted Entry And DetonationThe National Anti-Terrorist Committee (NAK) said a woman carrying explosives tried to enter the restaurant. It said a security guard stopped her, but the device then detonated. The NAK said the explosion killed the woman, the guard and a visitor to the restaurant. Authorities have not released the names of the victims or provided details of the injured. Restaurant Private EventThe restaurant is in one of Moscow’s well-known Stalin-era skyscrapers and was hosting a private function, according to officials. The authorities have not disclosed the guest list or said who they believed was the intended target of the attack. Witnesses told Russian media they saw people being taken away covered in blood after the explosion. Initial reports suggested the blast happened inside the establishment’s kitchen, but the restaurant later said in a statement that “there was a problem outside”. Police Response And Area ClosuresRoads around the square were briefly closed following the blast. Dozens of cyclists had gathered nearby for an evening ride through the city, but the event was cancelled. Video published by Russia’s RIA news agency showed heavily armed law enforcement officers at the scene. The area had been closed off to the public. In recent years, several senior Russian military figures have been assassinated in and around Moscow. Moscow has blamed Kyiv for those attacks. Join the discussion? 2 August 2026
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