Russian police detained a suspect on Tuesday following a blast at a café in St. Petersburg that left several people injured.
The explosion shattered windows and set tables ablaze, forcing emergency services to rush to the scene. Fire crews worked to extinguish the fire while paramedics attended to victims in the narrow hallway of the café.
"The authorities say the suspect was arrested on suspicion of involvement in the blast."
Security officials identified the suspect as a 35‑year‑old Russian national who was arrested at a nearby traffic stop. Police said the individual had been in the café shortly before the explosion and had been seen carrying a small bag that was later found to contain a device.
The incident follows a string of attacks on public venues in Russia over the past two years. Authorities have linked several bombings to extremist cells that oppose the government’s war in Ukraine.
In a statement, the Ministry of Internal Affairs said the suspect was connected to a network that has carried out similar attacks in Moscow and other cities. The ministry added that the investigation is ongoing and that further arrests may be made if evidence warrants.
The arrest comes amid heightened security measures across the country. Police have increased patrols around cafés, restaurants and other crowded spaces in the wake of the recent series of bombings.
Officials are expected to hold a press conference on Thursday to provide further details on the investigation and the suspect’s legal status. The outcome of the case could influence Russia’s domestic counter‑terrorism strategy for the remainder of the year.
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