While Russia’s Vladimir Putin has spent much of this week promising “victory” in his war, details have leaked of a secret funeral for one of his top military officials believed to have been killed just steps from the Kremlin. Alexander Chaiko was appointed the commander-in-chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces by Putin. Police officers stand guard at the site of an explosion at a restaurant in central Moscow, Russia August 1, 2026. A Ground Forces flag stood beside the grave, while an honor guard carrying the Aerospace Forces flag escorted the procession. The secret funeral has not been acknowledged by Russian officials, who have also not released the identities of those killed or provided any updates on the investigation into the attack.