The United States and Canada issued warnings about a "credible threat" of a mass casualty event in Moscow on Saturday, prompting Russian security officials to take action amid ongoing tensions over the war in Ukraine. Embassy in Moscow identified the Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve, a historic palace and park complex, as the location of the potential attack. Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) subsequently confirmed receiving intelligence from Washington about preparations for a possible terrorist attack.
The warnings come as President Donald Trump seeks to revive negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, following his administration's recent easing of sanctions on Russian diesel sales. The intelligence sharing demonstrates continued security cooperation between Washington and Moscow despite their disagreements over Kyiv, with trilateral peace negotiations expected to resume in November. Newsweek reached out to the State Department and the Russian Embassy in Washington, D.C. for comment on Saturday.
Embassy issued an urgent security alert Saturday identifying a specific location and date for the potential attack. Embassy in Moscow is aware of a credible threat of a mass casualty event TODAY October 31, at the Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve in Moscow at Dolskaya Ulitsa 1, Moscow, Russia 11569," the embassy said. "The U.S. government is coordinating with appropriate Russian authorities on a response." The embassy urged people to avoid the museum reserve, stay away from crowds and remain vigilant.
Tsaritsyno, located in southern Moscow, is an expansive historic palace and park complex commissioned by Russian Empress Catherine the Great during the 18th century. The museum reserve's grounds were temporarily closed following the warning, emergency response services told Russian state news agency Tass. According to the agency, Russia's FSB confirmed receiving information through established channels of cooperation with the U.S.
"We have received information from the US through established channels of cooperation about preparations for a terrorist attack in Moscow. Appropriate action is underway," the agency said. Russian authorities did not publicly identify potential perpetrators or disclose details about the suspected attack.
Canada subsequently echoed the American warning. Global Affairs Canada reiterated its advice against all travel to Russia, citing the ongoing war in Ukraine and terrorism risks. "If you are in Russia, you should consider leaving the country by commercial means," the Canadian government advised.
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