Accusation of terrorism in Kyiv
Moscow demands extradition of Ukrainian intelligence chief
April 1, 2024, 9:24 a.m
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Although the terrorist organization Islamic State claims responsibility for the attack on the concert hall on the outskirts of Moscow, Russia sticks to its version that Ukraine was responsible. The Ukrainian intelligence chief Malyuk is particularly in focus.
Russia has demanded that Ukraine extradite the Ukrainian intelligence chief and other people who Moscow says were involved in “terrorist attacks” on Russian territory. The Foreign Ministry reiterated in a statement on Sunday that there was a connection to Ukraine in the attack on a concert hall on the outskirts of Moscow.
Russia also accused Ukraine of being behind a series of attacks and attacks on its territory. Citing two international anti-terrorism conventions, the ministry said it had called on Ukraine to “immediately arrest and extradite” a number of people, including the head of the SBU secret service, Vasily Malyuk.
The SBU described Moscow’s demands as “worthless.” “Statements about terrorism are particularly cynical when they come from a terrorist country,” the intelligence agency said. Russia claims that Kiev is connected to the attack on the concert hall, although the jihadist militia Islamic State (IS) has claimed responsibility for the attack.
No diplomatic relations
The Russian Foreign Ministry said Malyuk admitted to “organizing the bombing of the Crimean bridge in October 2022” and “revealed details of the organization of other terrorist attacks in Russia.” Crimea was annexed by Russia in 2014, but is internationally recognized as part of Ukraine.
“The Russian side demands that the regime in Kiev immediately stop all support for terrorist activities, extradite those responsible and compensate the victims,” the ministry continued. It was unclear how Russia conveyed its demands to Ukraine, as Kiev cut diplomatic ties with Moscow shortly after the military attack in February 2022.