In the wake of a devastating concert hall attack in Moscow which left over 140 individuals dead, the Russian investigative authorities have asserted that they have uncovered “proof” linking the perpetrators to “Ukrainian nationalists”. This accusation has been met with staunch refutation from the United States, which has branded Russia’s claims as “nonsense and propaganda”.
The attack, claimed by the militant group Islamic State, occurred at Moscow’s Crocus City Hall during a performance by the Russian band Picnic. In a statement, Russia’s Investigative Committee claimed to have found evidence through detained terrorists, their technical devices, and financial transaction analysis, suggesting that the attackers received substantial funds from Ukraine.
However, this claim has been fervently dismissed by the White House. National security spokesperson John Kirby stated that “It is abundantly clear that ISIS [Islamic State] was solely responsible for the horrific attack in Moscow last week.” Kirby emphasized the role of the United States in trying to prevent the tragedy, highlighting that the US had even warned Russian security services of a potential extremist attack in Moscow on March 7 at 11:15 a.m., days before the incident.
Furthermore, Kirby added that Washington has passed “many warnings” to Moscow “about various threats” since September. The U.S. insists it is Islamic State Khorasan, the network’s Afghan branch, that bears full responsibility for the concert shooting.
Notably, U.S. officials point to the rapid identification of the alleged perpetrator by the United States as evidence of their prior knowledge of the threat, and not as a suspicious activity as suggested by Russia. The head of Russia’s FSB security service has implicated, without evidence, Ukraine along with the U.S. and Britain in the attack.
The situation has been further complicated by a military context where Russian jets have reportedly lost significant numbers, more than 10%, since the conflict began. Russia has been adapting its weaponry to improve safety for its fighters. Simultaneously, Ukrainian forces are preparing to enhance their air capabilities with the introduction of Western F-16 fighters.
This alleged link to Ukrainian nationalists, by Russian accounts, is in stark contrast to the detentions that have followed the attack. Eleven individuals were arrested within the first 24 hours post-attack, with eight placed in pre-trial detention – seven from Tajikistan and one from Kyrgyzstan.
These allegations by Russia and the corresponding rebuttal by the United States have surfaced at a time when the world is grappling with the repercussions of conflict and terrorism. The discordant narratives serve as a reminder of the deep-seated tensions between Russia and Western powers, and the complex interplay of information and intelligence in global security dynamics. It also raises questions about the resourcing and priorities of Russian intelligence agencies amid a focus on the Ukraine war and the suppression of domestic opposition.
The unfolding of events and analyses will continue to grip the international community as they seek clarity amidst these competing claims.
Relevant articles:
– Russia links concert shooting to “Ukrainian nationalists”; US says ‘nonsense’
– US rejects Russia’s “nonsense,” “propaganda” claims linking Ukraine to IS’ Crocus concert hall attack, Euromaidan Press, Thu, 28 Mar 2024 20:24:57 GMT
– Russia-Ukraine latest: Moscow claims to have evidence Ukraine funded concert attack; military plane crashes into sea, Sky News, Thu, 28 Mar 2024 22:04:29 GMT
– White House says US passed written warning of Moscow attack to Russia, Yahoo News Canada, Thu, 28 Mar 2024 15:46:43 GMT