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25-year-old Maria Chaiko, daughter of the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces Alexander Chaiko, could have been seriously injured in the explosion at the Balzi Rossi restaurant (Photo: Verstka via Telegram)
Maria Chaiko, the daughter of Russian Aerospace Forces Commander Alexander Chaiko, may have been injured in the explosion at a restaurant in central Moscow, Russian outlet Verstka reported, citing its investigation on Aug. 3.
The outlet said it learned from a source close to the restaurant's management that Maria Chaiko was among those injured.
Verstka also noted that a list of victims published by Russian state-linked REN TV and Channel 112 included a 25-year-old woman identified as Maria P., who suffered an open traumatic brain injury.
According to Verstka, Maria Chaiko is also 25. Leaked databases list her under the surname Peredriy, with Chaiko and Peredriy sharing the same date of birth and residential address. In leaked phone directories, she is listed as "fiancée" and "Maria Chaiko."
Verstka concluded that Peredriy is likely the surname of the general's daughter's husband.
The list of victims also includes a 27-year-old identified as "Daniil P." According to leaked data, he may be Daniil Peredriy, who is also 27. Verstka found that one of Maria Chaiko's VK accounts lists him among her friends.
The outlet also noted that pro-Russian propagandist Anatoly Shariy reported that Maria Chaiko had been injured. According to Shariy, Daniil Peredriy was killed, although he added that he "could not confirm" the information.
Explosion at Moscow restaurant
An explosion struck the terrace of the Balzi Rossi restaurant in central Moscow on the evening of Aug. 2.
Russian Telegram channels initially reported that the blast had been caused by a gas leak. Russia's National Anti-Terrorism Committee later said it was caused by an improvised explosive device carried into the restaurant by a woman. The woman, a security guard who prevented her from entering, and one of the restaurant's patrons were killed at the scene, while 21 others were injured.
On the morning of Aug. 3, reports said the death toll had risen to five, with at least six people remaining in critical condition.
Russian media reported that the apparent target of the explosion may have been Gen. Alexander Chaiko, commander of Russia's Aerospace Forces, who is on trial in Ukraine for alleged war crimes, including crimes committed in Bucha in the Kyiv region.
Russian military blogger Kyrylo Fedorov and the Telegram channel Zapiski Veterana also claimed that Chaiko had been the intended target. Pro-Russian propagandist Anatoly Shariy published video footage showing preparations for the celebration at the restaurant. A sign behind the stage reading "Alexander 55" matched Chaiko's 55th birthday, which he celebrated on July 27.
It remains unclear whether Chaiko was injured. The Telegram channel Novaya Ploshchad, which publishes insider reports on Russian affairs, claimed that Chaiko survived, citing as evidence that he had allegedly read a Telegram message sent to him.
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