At Moscow museum, US warns Russia of mass casualty event plot to attack site as police evacuate concert

Embassy names museum as target

The US Embassy issued its warning on Saturday, identifying the Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve as the site of a possible attack. It advised American citizens in Moscow to stay away from the museum and large crowds.

The embassy also urged US nationals to remain alert, carry official identification and keep their phones charged. It said the US government was coordinating with Russian authorities. The museum, established in 1775, is a popular tourist destination. Its address is Dolskaya Ulitsa 1, Moscow.

Russian authorities clear grounds

The FSB said it had received information from US counterparts through established bilateral channels and was taking appropriate action. Russian police and emergency services then evacuated staff and visitors and closed the grounds, citing “technical reasons.” About 50 security officers set up cordons, while patrol vehicles were placed around the former imperial estate. Musician Lilia Pechenkina said evacuation sirens sounded over the public address system as she finished performing during an afternoon concert.

Details of alleged plot remain scarce

Neither the US Embassy nor Russian security agencies have identified a suspected organizer. Officials have not disclosed whether a group, cell or individual was behind the alleged plan, or explained its possible motive or the source of the intelligence.

The article notes that Washington shared intelligence with Moscow before the March 2024 attack on Crocus City Hall by Islamic State gunmen. That attack killed 145 people.

Warning comes before Abu Dhabi talks

Russia, Ukraine and the US are scheduled to resume trilateral discussions on the war, with negotiating teams preparing to travel to Abu Dhabi. The alert comes amid signs of closer engagement between US president Donald Trump and Russian president Vladimir Putin.

Trump said earlier this month that Russia would supply diesel to the US, prompting criticism over the financial benefit to Moscow amid its war in Ukraine. His relationship with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has also deteriorated, while reported interruptions to US intelligence feeds and limits on Starlink connectivity have raised concerns in Ukraine.