Traffic was severely disrupted in central Moscow, with major arteries like Pushkin Square, the Kremlin Embankment, and Tverskaya Street experiencing significant blockages. The Department of Transportation initially reported the closures.

The disruptions caused widespread concern and frustration among city residents trying to navigate the area.

The traffic situation began to ease around 7:49 PM, with traffic being reopened, although congestion remained heavy at six points.

Earlier in the day, similar traffic restrictions were implemented on October 15 on Leninsky Prospekt, Borovitskaya Square, the Kremlin Embankment, Smolenskaya and Tverskaya streets, and the inner side of the Moscow Ring Road near the Kievskoe Highway.

These earlier restrictions were potentially linked to the visit of Syrian President Ahmed Ash-Sharaa. A motorcade carrying the politician, including a Russian Aurus car and security vehicles, was observed during this time.