Maria Chayko, daughter of the Russian Aerospace Forces commander, may be among the casualties of an explosion at a Moscow restaurant.

Maria Chayko, the 25-year-old daughter of Russian General Aleksandr Chayko, may have been injured in an explosion at the Balzi Rossi restaurant in central Moscow. Reports from the Russian news outlet Verstka suggest she is listed as "Maria P." among the casualties, having sustained an open traumatic brain injury.

Casualties and identification

Verstka reports that five people were killed and 21 injured in the incident. While official reports initially cited three deaths and 15 injuries, media outlets indicate two additional victims died in the hospital on August 2. Lists published by Telegram channels linked to Russian security services identify a 25-year-old "Maria P." and a 27-year-old "Danylo P." among the injured. Verstka cross-referenced leaked databases to link Maria Chayko to the identity of Maria P., noting that both share the same birth date and address. The outlet also identified Danylo P. as likely being Danylo Peredriy, who is connected to Chayko on the social media platform VK.

Context regarding General Chayko

Russian media outlets have speculated that the restaurant was hosting a private celebration for the 55th birthday of Aleksandr Chayko, who was appointed commander-in-chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces by Vladimir Putin on May 4, 2026. Chayko, the former commander of Russia's Eastern Military District, is currently under European Union sanctions for alleged war crimes in Bucha, Ukraine. The Security Service of Ukraine has also submitted an indictment against him for his role in planning the invasion of northern Ukraine.