A homemade bomb carried by a woman resulted in three deaths and injured at least 21 others in an explosion near a high-end restaurant in downtown Moscow on Saturday evening, authorities reported.
The blast happened shortly before 8 p.m. local time near an Italian eatery situated in one of Moscow’s seven Stalin-era skyscrapers at Kudrinkskaya Square.
Russia’s Anti-Terrorism Committee stated that an unidentified woman attempted to enter the restaurant but was stopped by a security guard, according to the state news agency RIA.
They reported that the woman, the security guard, and a customer at the Balzi Rossi Italian restaurant were killed in the explosion that ensued.
Victims sustained wounds of various severities, authorities said.
The scene, which was cordoned off to the public, showed heavily armed law enforcement personnel according to footage released by Russia’s state news agency, RIA.
Officials have not disclosed the identities of those killed or injured, nor have they identified suspects or motives.
Four years into a full-scale conflict with Ukraine, Russia’s FSB security agency announced earlier this year that security measures for senior military officials would be heightened following a series of assassinations and attempted killings attributed to Kyiv.
The daily newspaper Kommersant cited its sources suggesting that the bomb was intended to target and harm patrons enjoying the restaurant’s outdoor summer terrace.
It was also suggested that the device was triggered remotely by someone else, and that the woman believed to have been carrying it may not have known it was explosive.
The restaurant’s website indicated it was closed Saturday for a private event.
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin delivered a speech during the All-Russian Municipal Service Award ceremony in Moscow on April 21, 2025, as captured in this photo.
On Thursday, Putin publicly acknowledged for the first time Moscow’s involvement in the 2024 crash of an Azerbaijani passenger aircraft, calling it a “tragedy.” The plane, operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, was diverted from its scheduled landing in the southern Russian city of Grozny and crash-landed in Kazakhstan on December 25, resulting in the deaths of 38 out of 67 onboard.
In a discussion with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Putin stated that Russia had launched two missiles to intercept Ukrainian drones earlier that morning, which exploded a few meters from the aircraft. He clarified, “The two missiles fired didn’t directly strike the plane. If they had, it would have crashed immediately.”
He further explained that Russian air traffic controllers instructed the pilot to attempt a landing in Makhachkala, Russia, but instead, the pilot tried to land at their home airport and subsequently in Kazakhstan, where the aircraft ultimately came down.
Putin assured that Russia would do everything necessary to provide compensation in such tragic cases and emphasized that the actions of all officials involved would be subject to legal review.
Previously, Azerbaijani authorities accused Russia of concealing the true cause of the crash. This week, Aliyev expressed gratitude to Putin for sharing detailed information about the incident, according to the Kremlin’s statement.
Initial reports from Russia’s air transport agency suggested that a bird strike forced the plane, an Embraer 190, to divert from its original course.
The incident significantly strained Russia’s relationship with Azerbaijan, a resource-rich former Soviet republic that has maintained close ties with Moscow.
Title: Recent Strikes in Kharkiv Amid Ongoing Conflict
In a recent escalation, Russian missile and drone attacks on Kharkiv, Ukraine, overnight resulted in at least three fatalities and left 22 others injured. In a related incident, a Ukrainian drone strike in the Moscow region caused injuries to two individuals, according to officials from both nations on Saturday.
The Russian military reported they utilized precision long-range weaponry and drones to successfully target specific military installations within Ukraine during the night.
Meanwhile, Ukraine refuted claims made by Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky, who alleged that Ukraine had indefinitely postponed the repatriation of deceased soldiers and the exchange of prisoners of war. Andriy Kovalenko, a member of the National Security and Defence Council, remarked on Telegram, "The statements from the Russian side do not align with reality or our prior agreements regarding both prisoner exchanges and the return of bodies."
In their latest peace talks held in Istanbul earlier this week, both sides agreed to exchange additional prisoners and work towards the repatriation of 12,000 deceased soldiers.
Kharkiv, situated just a few dozen kilometers from the Russian border, has been frequently targeted throughout the protracted conflict arising from Russia’s large-scale invasion. "The city is currently facing the most intense bombardment since the beginning of the full-scale war," declared Mayor Ihor Terekhov in a Telegram post on Saturday.
The attacks have impacted residential buildings, schools, and other infrastructure. Images from the scene revealed structures severely damaged, and rescue teams were seen evacuating the wounded.
Governor Oleh Syniehubov of Kharkiv stated that there may still be individuals trapped beneath the rubble due to a civilian industrial site being struck by a barrage of 40 drones and several bombs.
On the Russian side, two injuries were reported following a Ukrainian drone assault in the Moscow region. Governor Andrei Vorobyov mentioned that authorities had shot down nine drones during the incident.
Russia’s aviation agency has since resumed operations at Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo, and Zhukovsky airports in the Moscow area after temporary suspensions for safety protocols.
The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that overnight air defense teams intercepted and destroyed 36 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory, including the Moscow region.
On Saturday morning, Ukraine’s military announced the downing of a Russian Su-35 fighter jet, although specific details were not provided. Russian forces have yet to issue a statement on this claim, and Reuters was unable to verify the report independently.
Additionally, a recent Ukrainian drone strike deep within Russian territory reportedly compromised about 10% of Russia’s strategic bomber fleet, with some aircraft affected as they were being primed for strikes on Ukraine, as disclosed by a senior German military official during a YouTube podcast scheduled for release later today.
Sure! Here’s a unique rewrite of the given content in American English:
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A cyclist passes by a damaged building in Lyman, near the frontline in the Donetsk region, on May 7, 2025, during the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.
No reports of drone or missile strikes on major Ukrainian cities.
Ukraine claims that Russia bombed the northern Sumy region.
Moscow hosts China’s Xi Jinping for the World War II anniversary.
A three-day ceasefire announced by Russia took effect early Thursday morning, marking a quiet spell over Ukraine’s major cities after a series of intense attacks by Russian drones and ballistic missiles.
Following the initiation of this Kremlin-sponsored ceasefire, Ukraine’s air force reported that Russian aircraft carried out two separate bombings in the northern Sumy region. Unfortunately, there are no updates regarding the extent of the damage, and Reuters could not verify these claims independently.
This ceasefire aligns with the 80th anniversary celebrating the defeat of Nazi Germany during World War II, commencing at midnight Moscow time.
As part of the anniversary events, Russian President Vladimir Putin is welcoming Chinese President Xi Jinping and other dignitaries in Moscow, where he will oversee a military parade in Red Square on May 9th.
Ukraine has not agreed to observe the Kremlin’s ceasefire, describing it as a ploy by Putin to project a desire for peace amid a conflict that escalated with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Putin claims he is committed to achieving peace.
This week, Ukraine has launched several drone attacks on Moscow, leading to airport closures in the Russian capital and affecting flight schedules.
Besides the Ukrainian military’s reports of the two bombings, there were no accounts from Ukraine of long-range drone or missile attacks on its cities early Thursday morning.
At 3:45 AM, the capital city of Kyiv remained quiet, a stark contrast to the previous day when the air was filled with the din of explosions from Russian aerial assaults and Ukrainian anti-aircraft responses.
It is still unclear whether fighting has ceased along the frontlines where Russian and Ukrainian forces are engaged. A witness near the frontline in eastern Ukraine noted that there were no sounds of combat early Thursday.
On Wednesday, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated the offer for a 30-day ceasefire with Russia. “We are not withdrawing this proposal, which could create opportunities for diplomacy,” he stated in a video address that evening.
He added that Russia had not acknowledged the 30-day ceasefire proposal and continued to conduct strikes. “This clearly indicates the true source of the conflict,” the Ukrainian president asserted.
Zelensky also acknowledged the series of drone strikes targeting various sites in Russia, including Moscow, as commemorations for World War II draw near. “It’s only fair that the skies above Russia, the aggressor, are also experiencing turbulence today,” he remarked.
Moscow’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported on Telegram that 14 drones targeting the capital had been intercepted or destroyed prior to the beginning of the three-day ceasefire.
The United States had proposed a 30-day ceasefire in March, which Ukraine accepted. However, Russia stated that any such measure could only proceed once mechanisms to enforce and maintain it are established.
Both countries are facing pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to swiftly conclude the conflict, which has become the largest crisis in Europe since World War II.
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, expressed astonishment at U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg’s comments implying that Putin might be hindering a comprehensive ceasefire. “The only hindrance to peace is Kyiv, which disregards agreements and is not open to serious discussions regarding a long-term ceasefire,” Zakharova stated.
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Russian police stand guard following a car bomb explosion in Moscow on Friday. — AFP
An explosive device detonated in a parked vehicle near Moscow on Friday, resulting in the death of a senior Russian general, according to investigators. This incident echoes prior attacks attributed to Ukraine.
The victim has been identified as Lieutenant General Yaroslav Moskalik, the deputy head of the military’s General Staff’s main operational directorate, responsible for overseeing army operations.
At the time of this report, Kyiv had not made any remarks regarding the incident, which mirrors other high-profile assassinations of military figures and prominent supporters of Russia’s ongoing campaign over the past three years.
Ukrainian officials have previously labeled some of these individuals as “legitimate targets,” suggesting these attacks serve as retaliation for Moscow’s military actions that have led to countless fatalities.
In response to the explosion—a blast from a Volkswagen Golf located outside an apartment building in Balashikha, east of Moscow—Russia’s Investigative Committee confirmed an investigation into murder had been launched.
“A military figure from our ranks was killed as a result of a terrorist attack,” stated Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian foreign ministry.
The general’s body was reportedly found near the front entrance of the residential building, and just a few meters away from the incinerated remains of the white vehicle, as shown in footage released by investigators.
On-location reports indicated that police had cordoned off the area on Friday, with ambulances surrounding the blast site.
Witnesses in the vicinity reported hearing a powerful explosion around 10:45 AM (0745 GMT).
“The blast was incredibly loud; it even caused me chest pain,” recounted Lyudmila, a local resident.
‘Improvised Explosive Device’
The assassination closely resembles earlier attacks claimed by Kyiv against those involved in Russia’s three-year military operations against Ukraine.
Last December, Ukraine’s intelligence services asserted responsibility for the assassination of the head of the Russian military’s chemical weapons department via a remotely detonated bomb attached to a scooter.
Security footage of the recent explosion indicates a massive blast that propelled debris into the air, occurring just as an individual approached the car.
Investigators reported that the explosion resulted from an “improvised explosive device” filled with metal shards intended to inflict maximum damage.
According to the investigative news site Agentstvo, which cited leaked information, Moskalik was a resident of Balashikha, although the vehicle did not appear to be registered in his name.
Unverified reports circulating on Russian Telegram channels connected to law enforcement suggested that the car was purchased recently by an individual from the Ukrainian city of Sumy.
These sources also indicated that the Volkswagen had been parked at the location for several days and was equipped with a camera.
TASS reported that Moskalik was 59 years old and had previously represented the Russian military in ceasefire discussions with Ukraine back in 2015, amidst the conflict involving Kyiv and Russian-backed factions.
‘Serious Blunders’
Russian President Vladimir Putin elevated Moskalik to the rank of lieutenant general in 2021.
Over the past three years, individuals linked to Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine have faced similar targeting in multiple attacks, including the assassination of nationalist Darya Dugina in a car bombing in August 2022, and an explosion in a café in Saint Petersburg in April 2023 that killed well-known military correspondent Maxim Fomin, also known as Vladlen Tatarsky.
While Ukraine has occasionally claimed responsibility or celebrated these attacks, it has remained silent on this most recent incident.
In the wake of the December killing of Igor Kirillov, head of the military’s chemical weapons division, Putin acknowledged some failures within his security apparatus.
“We cannot afford such serious blunders to continue,” he stated.
Moscow Military Base Experiences Explosive Fire Incident
MOSCOW: A fire erupted at a military installation located east of Moscow on Tuesday, resulting in a series of explosions that left four individuals injured and prompted the evacuation of approximately 450 others, as reported by the regional governor.
Alexander Avdeev, the governor of the Vladimir Region, shared on Telegram that the fire originated from an ammunition storage area in the Kirzhach District, where munitions caught fire and subsequent explosions occurred.
The Ministry of Defence indicated that the incident was due to a failure to adhere to safety protocols, leading to the detonation of stored ammunition within a warehouse.
Authorities declared a state of emergency and are collaborating with the Defence and Emergencies Ministries to ensure the area is secured. Three of the injured individuals are receiving medical treatment in a hospital.
Avdeev mentioned that the military base had been cleared along with residents from at least seven neighboring settlements.
Unverified footage published on various Telegram channels depicted a massive fireball and plumes of thick smoke ascending into the air.
A Telegram channel linked to security services, Baza, reported that at least 10 to 11 explosions had been detected and that firefighting teams from nearby regions had been dispatched to combat the fire.
Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, speaks during a meeting with government officials in Tehran, Iran, on April 15, 2025. — Reuters
MOSCOW: Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei dispatched his foreign minister to Moscow on Thursday, delivering a letter to President Vladimir Putin regarding updates on nuclear discussions with the United States, which has issued threats of military action against Iran.
U.S. President Donald Trump has consistently warned Iran of potential bombardments and indicated that he would impose tariffs on countries importing Iranian oil unless Tehran reaches an agreement with Washington concerning its contentious nuclear program. The U.S. has also deployed additional military aircraft to the region.
Last weekend, discussions took place in Oman between the Trump administration and Iran, both sides described the meeting as positive and constructive. Ahead of a planned second round of negotiations in Rome this weekend, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi affirmed on Wednesday that Iran’s right to uranium enrichment remains non-negotiable.
As a long-time ally of Tehran, Russia plays a pivotal role in Iran’s nuclear dialogues with Western nations as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council and a participant in an earlier nuclear agreement that Trump abandoned in 2018.
Araqi stated, “In terms of the nuclear matter, we have always maintained close consultations with our partners China and Russia. Currently, it is an opportune time to engage with Russian officials.”
Letter for Putin
Araqi mentioned that he was delivering a letter to Putin that addressed both regional and bilateral matters. Following this, Putin welcomed Araqi at the Kremlin.
Western nations argue that Iran is enriching uranium to levels far exceeding what is necessary for a civilian nuclear energy initiative, drawing closer to the threshold suitable for atomic weapons. Iran refutes this claim, asserting its intent is solely for a civilian nuclear agenda.
Moscow has procured arms from Iran to support its military efforts in Ukraine and finalized a strategic partnership agreement with Tehran for twenty years earlier this year, although this deal did not include a mutual defense stipulation. The two nations have cooperated militarily in Syria for years until the downfall of their ally, Bashar al-Assad, in December.
Putin has maintained a cordial relationship with Khamenei as both Russia and Iran find themselves positioned as adversaries of the West; however, Moscow seeks to prevent the onset of a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.
Russia has articulated that any military action against Iran would be deemed illegal and unacceptable. On Tuesday, the Kremlin refrained from commenting on whether Russia is prepared to oversee Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles as part of a future nuclear agreement between Iran and the United States.
A brown bear recently attacked and severely injured a man near a forest located about 125 kilometers (78 miles) from Moscow, according to reports from local media and community members. With bear sightings increasing in the area around the capital, this incident highlights a growing concern.
The victim was gathering antlers shed by elks and deer when he was ambushed from behind by the bear. His uncle recounted that the man initially tried to escape but the bear began to gnaw at his skull before flipping him over and starting to eat his face. In a desperate move, the man pretended to be dead, which ultimately caused the bear to lose interest and walk away.
After the attack, the injured man was able to contact emergency services. He had to wait for several hours while rescue teams searched for him on foot in the nearby forest close to the village of Yeremeevo. He was eventually airlifted to a hospital for treatment.
While bear hunting is permitted in many regions of Russia, it is prohibited in the Moscow area. Some locals venture into the woods to collect antlers, which can fetch prices up to 15,000 rubles (approximately $178), roughly two-thirds of the country’s minimum monthly wage.
Members of the State Duma, the lower house of parliament, gathered for a session in Moscow, Russia on December 10, 2024. —Reuters
Next month, Russia’s Supreme Court is expected to decide whether to lift the Taliban’s designation as a prohibited “terrorist” organization, according to reports from Russian news agencies on Monday.
Since the Taliban took power in Afghanistan following the chaotic U.S. withdrawal in 2021, Moscow has sought to strengthen ties with their regime.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to address the Taliban’s status on April 17, as reported by the TASS news agency and confirmed by the court’s press service.
This private hearing could potentially lead to the removal of the Taliban from the banned list, following a formal request from the Prosecutor General’s Office.
In December, President Vladimir Putin enacted a law that opened the pathway for the Taliban’s removal from the list of banned organizations.
The legislation allows the court to act on the Prosecutor General’s assertion that the group has discontinued its “terrorist” activities. After a ruling, Russia’s FSB security service can proceed to remove the group’s designation.
However, this action would not constitute official recognition of the Taliban government or what they refer to as the “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan,” which has yet to be acknowledged by any other nation.
Since the U.S. withdrawal, Moscow has been improving its relationship with Afghanistan—a country with which it has a complicated history dating back to the Soviet invasion in the 1980s.
Before the U.S. exit, members of the Taliban had already visited Russia at the Kremlin’s invitation for discussions regarding Afghanistan, despite the existing ban placed on the group in 2003.
Putin characterized the Taliban as “allies” in the fight against terrorism, given their control over Afghanistan and shared interests in maintaining stability in the region.
For years, the Taliban has been engaged in conflict with the Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K), a rival jihadist group in Afghanistan.
In 2024, IS-K claimed responsibility for a tragic attack on a concert hall in Moscow that resulted in over 140 fatalities, marking the deadliest terrorist incident in Russia in nearly two decades.
