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By Jason Lemon
Deputy News Director
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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.
The U.S. 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.
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Newsweek reached out to the State Department and the Russian Embassy in Washington, D.C. for comment on Saturday.
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What to Know
The U.S. Embassy issued an urgent security alert Saturday identifying a specific location and date for the potential attack.
"The U.S. 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.
It also warned Canadians holding Russian citizenship that they could face mandatory military service.
Canadian officials also highlighted security threats across Russia, particularly in regions bordering Ukraine, including Bryansk, Kursk and Belgorod.
Previous Moscow Terrorist Attack
The latest warning comes more than two years after the March 22, 2024, terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall, a concert venue outside Moscow.
Gunmen opened fire on concertgoers before setting the building ablaze, killing 149 people and injuring hundreds more.
An Islamic State affiliate claimed responsibility for the massacre.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and other officials nevertheless alleged Ukrainian involvement without presenting supporting evidence. Kyiv strongly denied the accusations.
The U.S. had previously warned Moscow about a potential terrorist attack ahead of the massacre.
Russian intelligence chief Sergei Naryshkin subsequently acknowledged receiving the American intelligence but maintained that it lacked sufficient detail to identify the attackers.
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Trump, Ukraine and Russia
The latest intelligence exchange comes amid renewed diplomatic engagement between Washington and Moscow over the ongoing Ukraine war.
The Trump administration recently approved a $2.1 billion sale of 500 Patriot interceptor missiles to Ukraine, even as the president has eased certain restrictions on Russian diesel and invited Putin to attend December's G20 summit in Florida.
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged Saturday that a negotiated peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine remains uncertain.
"I don't know if negotiated peace is achievable in Ukraine, that's what we're trying to find out," Rubio told reporters.
Contact Newsweek editors for this story: Anthony Murray and Jason Lemon.
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