Putin Likely to Step Up Offensive in Ukraine After Shocking Attack

At least 133 killed in concert hall terror attack
Russia detains 11 suspects
Putin alleges Ukrainian involvement, threatens retaliation
Zelenskyy and U.S. dismiss potential involvement

The world is in shock following a terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall concert venue in the northwest of Moscow, Russia. There are growing concerns over potential retaliation against Ukraine following President Vladimir Putin’s attempt to connect the attack to the country.

According to CNN and other sources on the 23rd (local time), the death toll from the terror attack continues to rise, with at least 133 fatalities and numerous others sustaining injuries.

Russian police announced that they have detained 11 people suspected of involvement in the terror attack. Among them, four are suspected of having opened fire and detonated bombs at the scene. Now, little is known about these individuals other than the fact that some are believed to be from Tajikistan.

Immediately after the incident, the Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K), an Afghan branch of the extremist Islamic armed group Islamic State (IS), claimed responsibility for the attack. They also released what appears to be footage of the attack that they filmed themselves via social media.

However, President Putin seems determined to connect this event with Ukraine. In a televised speech, he claimed, “According to preliminary information, the suspects, including the four armed terrorists, attempted to move to Ukraine after the incident secretly, and there were arrangements in place for them to cross the border into Ukraine.” He declared, “Anyone involved in the attack will be justly and inevitably punished.” The Russian Federal Security Service affirmed Putin’s words by stating, “The suspects were arrested near the Ukrainian border.” However, neither party has released any concrete evidence to support these claims.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vehemently reacted to these allegations. In a video statement, Zelenskyy said, “Putin is trying to shift the blame onto Kyiv,” and pointed out, “Putin and his cronies are just trying to blame others.” He said, “They have always been this way,” and raised his voice to say, “Everything can be predicted.”

Similarly, the U.S. also dismissed President Putin’s claims. In an interview with ABC News, Vice President Kamala Harris said, “There is no evidence related to Ukraine,” and refuted, “What we know to be the case is that ISIS-K is, by all accounts, responsible for what happened.” She added, “What has happened is an act of terrorism, and the number of people who’ve been killed is a tragedy, and we should all send our condolences to those families.”