Moscow concert hall attack: Putin reiterates Ukrainian involvement

Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time blamed “radical Islamists” for a recent attack on a concert hall near Moscow, while also suggesting Ukraine was involved.

Russian authorities have arrested at least 11 people in connection with Friday’s attack on Krokus City Hall. Armed assailants wearing camouflage uniforms broke into Crocus City Hall, opened fire on spectators and set the building on fire.

This tragic incident resulted in the deaths of at least 137 people.

Russia has charged four men over their involvement in the Moscow concert hall event.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated his assertion that the shooting fit into a broader pattern of intimidation in Ukraine.

In a speech to senior officials, Putin blamed the Crokus town hall attack on “radical Islamists” while suggesting that the Ukrainian government was also implicated. “We know that this crime was committed by radical Islamists, adherents of an ideology that the Islamic world has been fighting for centuries,” he said.

“This may be just one step in a series of atrocities committed since 2014 by those who exploited the neo-Nazi regime in Kyiv to fight against our country,” he said.

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

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Putin for diverting attention from domestic problems and denied his claims.

The alleged perpetrators, Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev, Saidakrami Murodali Rachabalizoda, Shamsidin Fariduni and Muhammadsobir Fayzov, were arrested in the Bryansk region shortly after the attack.

The suspect appeared in court with signs of torture on his body. There was evidence that they suffered severe physical abuse while in police custody. While some defendants claim guilt, the circumstances of their confessions remain controversial.

The suspects, who are from Tajikistan, have been remanded in custody until at least May 22 pending further investigations.

Meanwhile, more people were arrested in connection with the attack.