March 26, 2024- Moscow, Russia: A deadly attack on the Crocus City Hall concert hall near Moscow has sparked a diplomatic crisis between Russia and Ukraine, with high-ranking Russian officials pointing fingers at Kyiv for orchestrating the tragedy.
According to a report by AFP, Nikolai Patrushev, the secretary of the Russian Security Council and a former military leader, directly implicated Ukraine during a press interaction, firmly stating, “Of course, Ukraine,” when asked about the possible orchestrators behind the attack, which claimed the lives of 139 individuals last Friday.
However, Kyiv has vehemently denied any involvement in the tragic incident, setting the stage for a tense standoff between the neighbouring nations.
While Patrushev’s remarks were assertive, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov adopted a more cautious stance, refraining from drawing direct links between the Ukrainian leadership and the attack. Peskov emphasized that the investigation was ongoing and declined to provide further commentary, as reported by Reuters.
Russian President Vladimir Putin previously attributed the attack to radical Islamists, claiming that the perpetrators attempted to flee to Ukraine following the assault on Crocus City Hall.
However, US officials have suggested the involvement of the Afghan branch of the Islamic State group – Khorasan, a claim not yet confirmed publicly by Russian authorities.
Eight suspects, hailing from Central Asian former Soviet republics, remain in custody in connection with the attack, according to FSB Director Alexander Bortnikov.
Bortnikov announced that the investigation is ongoing and the scope of suspects may extend beyond the 11 individuals currently detained. Additionally, he asserted that Ukrainian security services facilitated the attack orchestrated by radical Islamists, as reported by Russian agencies and the BBC.
In a bold move escalating tensions further, Bortnikov identified Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, as a legitimate target for Russian military action.
Furthermore, he claimed that Ukraine is training fighters in the Middle East, adding fuel to the fire of escalating accusations between the two nations.
The accusations and counter-accusations have plunged diplomatic relations between Russia and Ukraine to new lows, with the international community closely monitoring the situation for further developments.
As investigations continue and diplomatic tensions rise, the search for truth behind the tragic events at Crocus City Hall remains paramount, as does the imperative for diplomatic dialogue to prevent further escalation and loss of life.
This article was created using automation and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members