Whether homegrown or foreign, the work of a crazed individual or a political organization, and whether aimed at a specific person or designed to create general chaos . . . these are questions that have yet to be answered.

But what we do know is that yesterday a bomb exploded at the entrance to the Balzi Rossi Restaurant in Moscow’s Kudrinskaya Square — which happens to be less than a mile from the United States Embassy.

As of this writing, there have been no reports as to the identities of the attendees at the private dinner being held in the upscale location. But three people — a security guard, a patron, and an unidentified woman (seemingly a courier) who was carrying the device — were killed when it was detonated, possibly remotely and likely prematurely. Some 21 others were injured; but the human toll could have been much greater if the guard had not stopped the woman in order to inspect the package, thus preventing her from entering the venue. [Anna Chernova, Alessandra Freitas and Darya Tarasova, CNN, August 1, 2026.]

The fact that the private event is said to have been heavily guarded, as well as the elegance of the setting, would indicate that this was no ordinary gathering. However, it’s early times, and we will have to await further details . . . if they are indeed forthcoming. That, I would guess, will depend upon the nature of the event and the prominence of the people in attendance.

Of course, wherever these incidents occur, they are always tragic. As a somewhat amusing side note, however, it would appear that the residents of Moscow are rapidly becoming acclimated to the new realities of life in their supposedly secure city — at least, according to the response of the restaurant’s chef, Carmine Alfieri. Following the blast, he thanked people on Instagram for their support, and said of his staff:

“We’re all fine, and our restaurant and kitchen are in perfect condition; there was just a minor issue at the restaurant entrance.” [Id.]

“Run that by me again?”

I have to wonder if perhaps Chef Carmine was shellshocked, and simply didn’t remember that three people had just been killed in his establishment. Or maybe this is now what passes for a “minor issue” in Moscow.

What a world we live in! But come to think of it, it’s not so different from 1993, when I lived there during the era of the “Great Mafia Wars.” We had drive-by shootings, burnt-out cars by the side of the road, daily kidnappings, and gangland-style executions.

You know . . . the good old days.

So maybe we’re just seeing another generation of the “same old same old,” but with a touch more sophistication . . . and way better cars.

And this time, the Kremlin will probably blame Ukrainians, instead of Chechens.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
8/2/26