Ukraine-Russia war latest: At least three dead after bomb explodes near Moscow restaurant

Ukraine-Russia war latest: At least three dead after bomb explodes near Moscow restaurant The explosion occurred near an upscale Italian restaurant located in one of Moscow's seven Stalin-era skyscrapers at Kudrinkskaya Square - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments At least three people have been killed and 21 injured after a woman brought a homemade bomb near a central Moscow restaurant, according to Russian officials. The explosion, which occurred at around 7:55pm local time (5:55pm BST), occurred near an upscale Italian restaurant located in one of Moscow's seven Stalin-era skyscrapers at Kudrinkskaya Square, police said. Russia's Anti-Terrorism Committee said that an unidentified woman had tried to get into the restaurant but was stopped by a security guard, Russian news agencies reported. Among the dead were the security guard, the unnamed woman, and another visitor, the committee added. The Kommersant daily newspaper cited sources as saying that the bomb had been intended to maim and kill guests who were enjoying themselves on the restaurant's summer terrace outside. The restaurant's website said the venue had been closed on Saturday for a private event, but it is unclear who was present. There is not yet any suggestion that the explosion is linked to the war in Ukraine. It came after Kyiv struck three Russian oil refineries nearly 1,600 kilometres beyond enemy lines, Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday. Explosion in Moscow restaurant caused by an IED The explosion was caused by an IED which was detonated remotely, Russia's National Anti-Terrorism Committee has said. Three people were killed and 21 otheres were injured after an "improvised explosive device" exploded at a restaurant on Kudrinskaya Square, one of the seven skyscraper towers built by Stalin. It said the three people who died were: - A security guard who stopped the unidentified woman from entering the building with the explosive device - the woman - a visitor The Russian newspaper Kommersant said it was likely the woman was unaware of the contents of the parcel. Quoting its own sources, Kommersant said the targets were guests on the restaurant's outdoor summer terrace. As millions jet off on holiday, meet the men choosing to go to a warzone with total strangers It’s hard to travel off the beaten track any more. Thanks to social media, no site is unseen, no viewpoint unphotographed, and no hidden gem concealed for long. According to the World Tourism Barometer, this is pushing more of us to holiday further afield – Brazil, Curaçao and Uzbekistan saw some of the largest increases in visitor numbers last year. But some are willing to take things further than others. For four years, one group has seen plenty of new sights – by driving into an active warzone. Ukrainian Action, a charity set up after Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, has just sent its 500th vehicle full of aid and equipment across Europe to support Ukrainians in need on and off the front line. With Russian airstrikes actively targeting ordinary homes, civilian businesses, and infrastructure facilities with ballistic missiles and drones, killing at least 26 people, including four children, in separate attacks this week, Ukraine is a highly volatile place to be. Read the full article here: As millions jet off on holiday, meet the men going to a warzone with total strangers Pictures: Cleanup and rescue operations completed in Kyiv after Russian attack Emergency services in Kyiv have completed rescue and recovery operations following Russia's attack overnight into Saturday, with officials confirming that nine people were killed and 33 others injured. A total of 206 emergency personnel and 42 pieces of equipment were deployed to respond to the aftermath of the strike. Russia fired a record number of missiles at Ukraine in July Russia fired a record 376 missiles at Ukraine in July, according to an AFP analysis of Ukrainian air force data. According to reports published by Kyiv’s air force, Russia has launched more than twice the number of missiles at Ukraine in July than in June. A significant number of these attacks targeted Kyiv, which saw some of the deadliest strikes. Russia also fired 4,956 long-range drones at Ukraine during the month, down 14 per cent on June. Moscow attack that killed three in pictures Pictures showed emergency services and heavily armed security personnel surrounding the blast site outside the Balzi Rossi restaurant in central Moscow. Three people were killed and at least 21 injured after a bomb exploded outside an upscale Italian restaurant on Saturday evening. Ukraine says it struck Russian container ship in Black Sea Ukraine struck a sanctioned Russian-flagged container ship in the Black Sea, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on X. The vessel, Yanina, has a capacity of more than 100,000 metric tonnes and was targeted during Ukrainian operations in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov using domestically produced "middle-strike" weapons, Zelensky said. "Our targets are consistently defined facilities that sustain the war effort," he wrote, adding: "Grateful to Ukrainian warriors who are bringing the war back to Russia and responding to its attacks against life." Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom confirmed the strike, saying the ship was hit by two Ukrainian naval drones in international waters about 130 nautical miles from the Russian port of Novorossiysk. Rosatom chief Alexey Likhachev said all 17 crew members were rescued. How the Moscow restaurant attack unfolded A bomb explosion near an upscale Italian restaurant in central Moscow killed three people and injured at least 21 on Saturday evening in what Russian authorities described as a terrorist attack. The blast occurred shortly before 8pm local time outside the Balzi Rossi restaurant at Kudrinskaya Square, one of Moscow's landmark Stalin-era skyscrapers. Russia's Anti-Terrorism Committee said an unidentified woman attempted to enter the restaurant but was stopped by a security guard. Moments later, the explosive device she was carrying detonated. The woman, the security guard and a restaurant customer were killed in the explosion, while at least 21 others suffered injuries of varying severity, according to police. State news agency RIA Novosti published footage showing heavily armed security forces securing the area after the blast. Authorities cordoned off the scene and launched an investigation but did not identify the victims or say who they believed was behind the attack. Russian newspaper Kommersant, citing unnamed sources, reported that investigators believe the bomb was intended to target guests seated on the restaurant's outdoor terrace. The newspaper said the device may have been detonated remotely and that the woman carrying it may not have known it contained explosives. These reports have not been independently verified. Russian oil refinery and military airbase struck - reports Ukrainian drones struck a Russian military airbase in the city of Engels and an oil refinery in nearby Saratov overnight, according to Russian officials and monitoring channels, with regional authorities saying two people were killed. Explosions were reported at the Engels airbase, while a fire broke out at the Saratov oil refinery after it was hit by drones, Kyiv Independent reported, citing a Telegram monitoring channel Exilenova Plus. Saratov region Governor Roman Busargin said two people were killed in the attacks and that civilian infrastructure in both cities was damaged. He did not specify whether the deaths occurred at the military or industrial sites. The reports could not be independently verified, and there was no immediate comment from the Ukrainian military. Lithuania condemns Russian strike near embassy, calls it 'campaign of terror' Lithuanian president Gitanas Nausėda condemned Russia's latest attack on Kyiv after a missile exploded just steps from Lithuania's embassy, damaging the building but causing no injuries to embassy staff. "This is yet another reminder that Russia's terror knows no limits. And that Ukraine is defending not only its own people, but the security of all Europe," Nauseda said, urging allies to provide Ukraine with more modern air defence systems. Lithuania's foreign ministry said it will summon a Russian representative in Vilnius over the strike. Foreign minister Kęstutis Budrys said Russia's "campaign of terror" showed no willingness to seek peace. "The Kremlin’s objective remains the same: destruction, death and intimidation. The response is clear: increase pressure on Russia through stronger sanctions and step up support for Ukraine," Budrys said. What we know about Russia's missile salvo that killed nine people At least nine people were killed and 30 others injured after Russia launched another barrage of ballistic missiles on Kyiv yesterday. The attack marked the second large-scale Russian strike in just 48 hours. Ukraine's State Emergency Service (DSNS) said rescue operations were ongoing, with a total of 105 people rescued from damaged buildings. Fires broke out, while residential buildings and industrial sites were damaged across at least five districts of the city. President Volodymyr Zelensky said 18 residential buildings, a school, the Lithuanian embassy and critical infrastructure were among the sites damaged in the attacks. Ukraine's Air Force said Russia fired a total of 35 missiles, including 27 ballistic missiles, as well as 85 Shahed-type drones overnight. Only two missiles were intercepted, while 154 drones were shot down. "Only one ballistic missile was shot down tonight simply because there are no missiles for the Patriots," Zelensky said. "And it is precisely this shortage of interceptors against ballistic missiles that only encourages Russia to launch such strikes against life." Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments