A second fatal explosion has rocked Moscow in just three days, killing two police officers and another person in a car blast. The attack on Wednesday, 24 December 2025, follows the assassination of a high-ranking military official on Monday, raising serious questions about security in the Russian capital.
A Pattern of Violence on Russian Soil
The latest incident occurred in the same area as Monday's car bomb, which killed Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov. This forms part of a long series of high-profile assassinations on Russian territory since the Kremlin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Just last year, a top military official was killed by a bomb hidden in a scooter, prompting President Vladimir Putin to publicly criticise his security services and demand they learn from their mistakes.
However, the subsequent wave of attacks targeting senior officials, both in Moscow and elsewhere, suggests those lessons have not been heeded. The killing of two police officers in a similar manner and location so soon after Monday's attack transforms the situation from one of apparent complacency to one suggesting potential incompetence within Russia's security apparatus.
Strategic Timing Amid Peace Negotiations
While Ukraine has not claimed responsibility for this specific attack, the timing is conspicuously advantageous for Kyiv. The blast coincided with the latest round of peace negotiations, where Ukraine has reportedly made significant progress in discussions with Washington.
Analysts suggest the attack could be an attempt by Kyiv to shift the narrative at the bargaining table, specifically aimed at US President Donald Trump. The message is clear: Russia does not "hold all the cards" and remains vulnerable, even in the heart of its power. This display of weakness may have bolstered Ukraine's position, helping it secure crucial concessions.
Implications for the Peace Process
Ukraine's diplomatic efforts appear to be bearing fruit in some areas. Negotiators have reportedly convinced the United States to agree to a peace proposal that includes Article 5-style security guarantees and an allowance for Ukraine to retain the strength of its armed forces. These points represent a major victory for Kyiv.
Territorial concessions remain a sticking point with the US, but progress on security is significant. The Kremlin, however, remains unmoved on the core issue of security guarantees involving foreign troops, stating its position "is well known". Despite this entrenched opposition, the recent violence in Moscow has refocused international attention on Russia's internal vulnerabilities at a critical diplomatic moment.
