Following a terrorist strike at a concert hall in Moscow, Russian President Putin condemned the assault and declared national mourning. In his address, he affirmed that many innocent lives were taken in the terror attack at Crocus City Hall. He expressed confidence in the medical staff's relentless efforts to save the victims.
Putin swore that those responsible for the attack would face consequences. He also suggested the shooters attempted to flee to Ukraine.
ISIS Claims Responsibility
ISIS has claimed responsibility for the shootings and explosion at Moscow's Crocus Concert Hall on Friday, leading to 93 fatalities and 145 injuries. In a statement on their Telegram channel, ISIS declared their fighters attacked the hall located on the outskirts of Russia's capital. The statement added that the attackers had safely returned to their base.
Read More: ISIS claims responsibility for Moscow attack; current toll at 93 dead, 145 injured, terrorist identities revealed
Russia Investigates Terrorist Attack
At the time of the attack, the Soviet-era band 'Picnic' was performing to an audience of 6,200. Russian officials stated they are thoroughly investigating the incident and keeping President Vladimir Putin regularly informed. The Russian Foreign Ministry described the occurrence as a terrorist attack and called upon the international community to condemn this heinous act. This terror attack comes at a time when Vladimir Putin has secured a landslide victory in recent presidential elections and is set for his fifth consecutive term. Simultaneously, Russia has been engaged in warfare with Ukraine for the last two years.
Ukraine Denies Any Role in Moscow Attack, Vows to Fight on the Battlefield
Ukraine has responded to the Moscow terror attack. A senior advisor to President Volodymyr Zelensky, Mykhailo Podolyak, stated, 'We want to clarify that Ukraine has nothing to do with this attack. We are at full-scale, comprehensive war with Russia's military and the Russian Federation as a country. Regardless, Ukraine will continue its fight on the battlefield.'
Russia Demands Information Not Acquittal from America After the Attack
Russia questioned the immediate exoneration given to Ukraine by the US following the attack. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, 'Upon what basis are officials in Washington drawing conclusions about someone's innocence amid this tragedy? If the USA has or had any credible information, it should be promptly transferred to the Russian side. And if they possess no such information, then the White House has no right to issue any clean chits. Russia will uncover who is behind this attack.'
