The death toll from the explosion at a general's name day celebration in Moscow has risen

In Moscow, the death toll from the explosion at the Balzi Rossi restaurant on Kudrinskaya Square has risen to five after two of the injured died in the hospital. More than six others remain in critical condition.

According to the Russian Federation’s National Anti-Terrorism Committee, the first three victims included a security guard at the restaurant, one of the patrons, and a woman who likely brought in the homemade explosive device. The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation has opened a criminal case under the article on terrorist acts. Investigators believe the explosive was hidden in a box disguised as a gift and detonated remotely, and that the courier herself may not have been aware of the package’s contents.

The target of the attack has not been officially identified. According to a number of Russian sources and Telegram channels, the explosion may have been directed against Alexander Chaika, the commander-in-chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces, who was reportedly celebrating his 55th birthday at a restaurant that evening; however, Russian authorities have not confirmed this information.

As a reminder, an explosion occurred at the Balzi Rossi restaurant on Kudrinskaya Square in central Moscow, after which a fire broke out in the building. According to Russian media reports, three people were killed and at least 15 others were injured.

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill (Vladimir Gundyaev), stated that the creation of the atomic bomb in the USSR was a manifestation of “God’s grace” and helped prevent the country’s destruction. He made this statement after the liturgy at the Holy Trinity Seraphim-Divyevsky Monastery.