But the “Nazis” are to blame
Putin blames “radical Islamists” for the attack
March 25, 2024, 7:03 p.m
IS has repeatedly claimed responsibility for the attack in a concert hall near Moscow. Only now, three days after the attack, has Vladimir Putin blamed “radical Islamists” for the attack. But he remains convinced that the West and Ukraine have their fingers in the game.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has blamed “radical Islamists” for the attack in a concert hall near Moscow. “We know that the crime was committed by radical Islamists,” Putin said at a televised meeting. “We now know whose hands perpetrated this crime against Russia and its people, now we want to know who the principal is.” After the attack, the attackers tried to flee to Ukraine and the question arises as to why that was the case: “Who was expecting them there?” asked Putin.
The terrorist militia Islamic State had already claimed responsibility for the attack last Friday several times. Western security authorities and experts believe the confession is credible and suspect the IS offshoot Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISPK) was behind the attack. Meanwhile, Russian propaganda tries to establish an alleged connection to Ukraine. Russia has been waging a brutal war of aggression against the country for more than two years. However, there is no evidence for this claim. The Ukrainian leadership has also strictly rejected the allegations.
The Kremlin chief said the attack was an act of intimidation. “And the question immediately arises: Who benefits from this?” he asked. Putin claimed that this “atrocity may be just one link in a whole series of attempts by those who have been at war with our country at the hands of the neo-Nazi Kiev regime since 2014.” The Kremlin repeatedly claims that it is fighting in Ukraine not against the Ukrainians, but against the West. “And as is well known, the Nazis were never squeamish when it came to using the dirtiest and most inhumane means to achieve their goals. Especially today, when their touted counter-offensive has completely failed, this is recognized by everyone, it is undisputed,” Putin continued.
Putin doubts motive
Putin also expressed doubts that Islamist organizations would be interested in attacking Russia, especially during Ramadan. “How do radical Islamists, posing as devout Muslims and professing so-called pure Islam, come to commit grave atrocities and crimes during the holy month of Ramadan, which is holy to all Muslims?” It also remains to be seen “whether radical and terrorist Islamic organizations are really interested in attacking Russia, which today stands for a just solution to the escalating Middle East conflict.”
Four attackers broke into the fully occupied Crocus City Hall in the northwest Moscow suburb of Krasnogorsk on Friday evening and opened fire. According to the Russian Investigative Committee on Sunday, at least 139 people were killed, including three children.
On Sunday, the Russian judiciary ordered two months of pre-trial detention for four suspects. According to Russian state media reports, all of them are Tajik citizens. Two of them pleaded guilty, the court said. This Monday, three more men were taken into custody.