Russian space forces commander Alexander Chayko celebrated his birthday at a luxury restaurant in Moscow on Saturday evening, according to Russian media reports. Chayko, who commanded the Vostok group of forces in 2022, has been previously reported to have been involved in mass murder and torture of civilians in Bucha, Ukraine.
The explosion at the Balzi Rossi restaurant in central Moscow on Saturday evening, which killed three and wounded 20, has been confirmed as targeting General Alexander Chayko, commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces, who was celebrating his birthday at the venue. The blast occurred during the private event, which was also attended by several senior military officers, as The Zioneer reported at 20:42 Jerusalem. The initial reports, published at 20:42 Jerusalem, described the explosion as likely caused by a gas cylinder, with the restaurant closed for a private event. By 20:42 Jerusalem, unverified reports indicated that several senior officers were present, and by 21:42 Jerusalem, the target was identified as General Chayko. The circumstances of the explosion remain under investigation, with no official confirmation of the cause or responsibility.
As The Zioneer reported on Wed Jun 10, 21:48 Jerusalem, General Chayko was appointed to lead the Russian Aerospace Forces by President Putin, having previously served as deputy chief of the General Staff and commander of Russian forces in Syria. Chayko also commanded the Vostok group of forces in 2022, and his units have been reported to have been involved in atrocities in Bucha, Ukraine.
The investigation into the explosion is ongoing, and it remains unclear whether the blast was an accident or a targeted attack. No group has claimed responsibility, and Russian authorities have not released an official statement on the cause.
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