A secret burial has reportedly been held for Lt-Gen Igor Yerusalimov, one of President Vladimir Putin's top commanders, who was killed in a bomb blast at an upscale Moscow restaurant over the weekend.
The 53-year-old was among five people who died when a homemade device detonated at the Balzi Rossi restaurant on Saturday, August 1. The venue was packed with high-ranking military officials, politicians, and bureaucrats attending the 55th birthday celebration of Col-Gen Alexander Chayko, head of the Russian Aerospace Forces.
Blast details
Yerusalimov was near the front of the restaurant when a female courier, carrying a 'gift' intended for Chayko, was intercepted by a security officer. Reports suggest the woman may have been unknowingly used as a 'suicide bomber'. Both the courier and the security officer were among those killed.
Nine other people were injured in the blast. Chayko is believed to have escaped unharmed. His daughter Maria, 25, suffered serious injuries, including a 'traumatic brain injury', while his son-in-law, Daniil Peredriy, 27, died from his injuries, according to sources.
War crimes allegations
Chayko commanded Russian forces on the Kyiv front during the Bucha Massacre, where his troops were accused of mass rapes and tortures. Ukraine has labelled him a wanted 'war criminal' for his alleged role in the 2022 attacks.
The Kremlin has kept the identities of the other casualties from a suspected Ukrainian special services operation under wraps. Yerusalimov was the highest-ranking casualty of the explosion at the £85,000 party.
Burial and context
According to Telegram channel VKCh-OGPU, closely connected with law enforcement, Yerusalimov had been promoted twice by Putin. His burial, held under high security, took place at Troekurovskoye cemetery.
Yerusalimov's death marks the latest in a series of over a dozen Russian generals who have lost their lives since Moscow initiated its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
