Moscow Restaurant Blast a 'Brutal Terror Attack,' Mayor Says

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin described an explosion at a central Moscow restaurant on Saturday night as a "brutal terrorist attack." Authorities confirmed at least three people died in the blast, including the suspected bomber and a security guard. The incident occurred shortly before 8 p.m. local time on Kudrinskaya Square.

Russia's Anti-Terrorism Committee stated that a woman carrying a homemade explosive device attempted to enter the restaurant but was stopped by a security guard. The device detonated at the entrance, killing the woman, the guard, and a restaurant patron. At least 21 other people were injured, according to state news agency RIA Novosti. The restaurant's website indicated it was closed for a private event on Saturday.

Heavily armed law enforcement officers cordoned off the area and initiated an investigation. Officials have not yet identified any potential perpetrators or groups behind the attack. This incident follows a series of attacks in Russia since the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022, for which Russian officials have previously blamed Kyiv.

Meanwhile, Ukraine launched drone attacks on other Russian regions overnight. A bombing in Engels targeted an apartment block, killing two people. Ukraine also reportedly struck a warehouse belonging to the online retailer Wildberries in Samara Oblast. Additionally, Russian officials reported over 100 Ukrainian strikes in the Belgorod Oblast, resulting in 14 injuries. Russia claimed to have downed over 200 Ukrainian drones during this wave of attacks.

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Law enforcement agencies are investigating the circumstances of the incident. Those responsible for this crime will certainly be found and face the punishment they deserve.