Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged on Monday that Islamic militants were responsible for the deadly attack at a concert outside Moscow, while also implicating Ukraine in the tragedy.
During a meeting with law enforcement officials, Putin stated that the perpetrators of the terrorist attack had been identified, but emphasized the importance of determining who ordered the crime.
Putin criticized the United States for attempting to downplay Ukraine’s involvement in the attack, insisting that questions regarding the incident remained unanswered.
He questioned whether radical or terrorist Islamic organizations had a genuine interest in targeting Russia, particularly as the country advocated for a fair resolution to conflicts in the Middle East.
Putin also raised concerns about the terrorists’ attempt to flee to Ukraine after the attack, questioning who awaited them there and why.
Describing the attack as an act of intimidation, Putin highlighted the need to identify who stood to benefit from such violence.
He emphasized the importance of conducting a thorough investigation into the attack, free from political bias, despite the desire for swift punishment.
According to Alexander Bastrykin, the head of the Russian Investigative Committee, the death toll from the attack at Crocus City Hall had reached 139, with 182 people injured, as of Monday.