A powerful explosion at a restaurant in central Moscow that killed five people and injured 21 others may have been an assassination attempt targeting Russian Aerospace Forces Commander Alexander Chayko, according to local media reports and sources familiar with the investigation.

The blast occurred late on Aug. 1 at the Balzi Rossi restaurant, where a private event was reportedly being held. Russian authorities have described the incident as a terrorist attack but have not publicly identified the intended target or disclosed details about the ongoing investigation.

Several media outlets reported that Chayko, who celebrated his 55th birthday on July 27, was believed to have been attending the event. However, there has been no official confirmation of his presence, and his condition remains unknown.

According to reports, Chayko's daughter, Maria Chayko, and her husband, Daniil Peredriy, were among those believed to have been injured in the explosion.

Explosion occurred during private gathering

Russian independent media reported that the restaurant had been closed to the public for a private function on the day of the explosion. Witnesses also said several vehicles bearing black license plates—commonly associated with the Russian Armed Forces and other security agencies—were parked outside the venue.

According to reports citing witnesses and investigative sources, a security guard became suspicious after a woman attempted to bring a box into the restaurant, claiming it was a gift. As the guard inspected the package, it exploded. Russia's Kommersant newspaper reported that investigators believe the explosive device was detonated remotely.

Images and videos circulating on social media after the blast showed significant damage inside the restaurant. One photograph appeared to display the words "Alexander 55" on a stage backdrop, fueling speculation that the gathering may have been connected to Chayko's recent birthday.

Possible link to earlier incidents

The reported assassination attempt comes days after an attack targeting Oleksandr Obolienskyi, commander of Ukraine's Khartiia Brigade, in the city of Kharkiv.

According to Ukrainian media, law enforcement officials alleged that the suspect in that case had been recruited by Russian intelligence services while believing he was acting on behalf of Ukraine's Security Service (SBU). Ukrainian officials have accused Russian intelligence of using deception to recruit individuals for covert operations.

Although no official connection has been established, sources cited by Ukrainian media suggested investigators are examining whether the Moscow explosion and the earlier attack in Kharkiv could be linked.

Series of attacks under investigation

Sources also said the Moscow blast is believed to be one of several recent incidents involving individuals connected to Russia's military establishment or defense industry.

Among those cited was an alleged assassination attempt against Andrey Cherezov, the head of a Tula-based unmanned aerial vehicle manufacturer, on July 29. Reports also referred to another alleged attack that has not been publicly disclosed.

No official Ukrainian comment

As of publication, Ukrainian authorities had not commented on the explosion in Moscow or reports that Chayko was the intended target.

Russian investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the attack, while officials have reiterated that the incident is being treated as an act of terrorism. No group has claimed responsibility, and authorities have not announced any arrests related to the bombing.

The investigation remains ongoing, and many details surrounding the explosion—including the identity of the perpetrators and the intended target—have yet to be officially confirmed. (ILKHA)