A weekend bombing at a popular Moscow restaurant has ignited a fresh diplomatic storm, with the Russian Embassy in Rome accusing Ukraine of orchestrating the attack to intimidate Italians living and working in Russia.
In a sharply worded statement, the embassy claimed that “Kyiv terrorists” aimed to frighten Italian nationals and signal that they, too, could be potential targets. The blast tore through the upscale Balzi Rossi restaurant on Saturday night, killing five people and injuring 19, according to updated Russian figures.
The embassy said the restaurant’s Italian chef and his team narrowly escaped harm thanks to what it described as the “vigilance and selfless dedication” of a Russian security guard who intercepted the attacker moments before the explosion.
Russia’s National Anti-Terrorism Committee initially reported a lower death toll, stating that three people had been killed: the woman who carried the explosive device, the guard who stopped her, and a guest inside the restaurant. It also said 21 others were injured when the bomb detonated near the entrance.
The attack has intensified tensions already strained by the ongoing conflict, while raising fears among foreign communities working in Russia. As investigations continue, the diplomatic fallout is expected to deepen.
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