In the aftermath of a horrific attack at a concert hall in Moscow, questions and accusations are swirling regarding who is truly responsible. The incident, which occurred last Friday at the Crocus City Hall, claimed the lives of at least 143 people, making it the deadliest attack Russia has endured in two decades.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has cast doubt on claims that the Islamic State (ISIS) was behind the assault, stating it’s “extremely hard to believe” that the group had the capability to execute such an operation. Instead, Russia has pointed fingers at Ukraine, alleging Ukrainian involvement in the attack, although evidence to support this claim has not been provided.
While Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the massacre, U.S. officials assert that it was carried out by the network’s Afghan branch, Islamic State Khorasan. However, Ukraine vehemently denies any involvement in the attack, leading to a diplomatic standoff between Russia and Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested that Islamist militants perpetrated the attack, insinuating that it may have been to Ukraine’s advantage. He further implied that Ukrainian authorities may have facilitated the attackers’ escape across the border.
Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has added to the confusion by claiming that the gunmen initially sought refuge in Belarus but diverted towards Ukraine when faced with sealed borders.
In response to Russian accusations, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron dismissed them as “utter nonsense.” Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate asserts that Russian authorities were aware of potential threats since mid-
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