UPDATE: SON-IN-LAW OF RUSSIAN AEROSPACE FORCES CHIEF DIES AFTER MOSCOW BOMBING
Russian media now report that Daniil Peredriy, 27, the son-in-law of Colonel General Aleksandr Chayko, has died from injuries sustained in the August 1 bombing at Moscow’s Balzi Rossi restaurant.
The explosion reportedly targeted a private gathering attended by members of Russia’s military elite. Chayko, who currently serves as Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS), survived the blast, while his daughter Maria was seriously injured.
Chayko is one of Russia’s most senior military commanders. Before taking command of the Aerospace Forces, he commanded Russian forces during the early stages of the invasion of Ukraine, including operations in the Kyiv region, and has been sanctioned by the European Union over alleged responsibility for atrocities committed during the occupation of Bucha. Today, he oversees the branch responsible for Russia’s strategic aviation, long-range missile strikes, and much of the aerial campaign against Ukrainian cities.
Russian authorities have not officially confirmed that Chayko himself was the intended target, and the investigation into the bombing is ongoing. However, multiple independent reports say the event was being held in connection with his birthday celebration and was attended by senior military and security officials.
The death of Peredriy adds another casualty to one of the most high-profile security incidents in Moscow since the start of the full-scale invasion. It also underscores the increasingly visible security challenges facing Russia’s military leadership far from the front line.