Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged on Monday that the deadly attack at a concert outside Moscow was carried out by Islamic militants. Speaking at a meeting with law enforcement officials, Putin stated that while the perpetrators have been identified, the focus now is on uncovering those who ordered the crime.
“It is already known who carried out the terrorist attack,” Putin said, adding, “but now we are interested in who ordered the crime.”
Putin suggested a connection to Ukraine, expressing skepticism about the U.S. claims that Kyiv was not involved. “The U.S., through various channels, is trying to convince everyone that there is supposedly no trace of Kyiv in the bloody terrorist attack at Crocus,” he said, referring to the concert venue targeted in the attack. “That it is the banned Islamic State,” he added.
However, Putin raised critical questions about the motives behind the attack. “Are radical, even terrorist, Islamic organizations really interested in striking Russia, which today stands for a fair solution to the escalating Middle East conflict?” he asked. “It is necessary to answer the question—why did the terrorists, after committing the crime, try to head exactly to Ukraine? Who was waiting for them there?”
Labeling the attack as an act of intimidation, Putin emphasized the need for a thorough investigation. “The question arises: who benefits from this,” he said. He urged that the investigation be conducted “professionally, objectively, and without political bias,” despite the widespread desire to punish those responsible.
According to Alexander Bastrykin, the head of the Russian Investigative Committee, the death toll from the attack at Crocus City Hall has risen to 139, with 182 people injured, as of Monday.
The tragic event has raised concerns about regional security and the potential for escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine. International observers are closely monitoring the situation as investigations continue.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
