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Moscow Concert Hall attack: Putin reiterates claim of Ukraine involvement

Moscow concert hall attack linked to Ukraine as Putin admits radical Islamists behind terrorism

Ukraine denies involvement as Putin again claims link to Moscow concert hall attack. — AFP File

For the first time, Russian President Vladimir Putin has attributed the recent assault on a concert hall near Moscow to "radical Islamists," while also implying some involvement from Ukraine. 

Russian authorities have arrested at least eleven individuals in connection with the Crocus City Hall attack that occurred last Friday. Armed assailants, disguised in camouflage, invaded the Crocus City Hall, opened fire on the audience, and set the building on fire. 

The tragic event resulted in the death of no less than 137 people.

Russia has charged four men for their alleged involvement in the Moscow concert hall. 

Meantime, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated his assertion that the shooting incident aligns with a broader pattern of intimidation by Ukraine.

Addressing senior officials, Putin attributed the Crocus City Hall attack to "radical Islamists" while simultaneously implicating the Ukrainian government. He said, "We know that the crime was committed by the hands of radical Islamists, followers of an ideology that the Islamic world itself has been fighting against for centuries".

“This atrocity may be just a link in a whole series of attempts by those who have been at war with our country since 2014 with the hands of the neo-Nazi Kyiv regime,” he said.

“Of course, it is necessary to answer the question, ‘Why after committing the crime the terrorists tried to go to Ukraine?’ Who was waiting for them there?” Putin asked.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticised Putin for deflecting attention from internal issues and denied his claim.

The accused perpetrators, identified as Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev, Saidakrami Murodali Rachabalizoda, Shamsidin Fariduni, and Muhammadsobir Fayzov, were apprehended in the Bryansk region shortly after the attack. 

The suspects appeared before the court with torture marks on their bodies. Evidence suggests that they endured severe physical abuse while in police custody. Despite claims of guilt from some of the accused, the circumstances surrounding their confessions remain contentious.

The suspects, hailing from Tajikistan, have been remanded in custody until at least 22 May, pending further investigation. 

Meanwhile, additional arrests have been made in connection with the attack.