Russia’s Investigative Committee has announced the discovery of evidence linking the gunmen responsible for the deadly attack on a concert theater to Ukrainian nationalists. The attack occurred at the Crocus City Hall concert hall in Moscow, resulting in at least 143 deaths. The committee also arrested another suspect involved in financing terrorists.
The White House criticized Russian leaders for trying to link Ukraine to the attack, calling them “garbage peddlers” for spreading propaganda. However, the Russian Investigative Committee stated that the attackers received significant sums of cash and cryptocurrencies from Ukraine, which were used in planning the attack. They also identified and detained another suspect involved in financing terrorists.
The Russian authorities have obtained confirmed data showing a connection between the attackers and Ukrainian nationalists through their investigation. Eight other suspects related to the attack have been arrested on terrorism charges. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack, resulting in at least 143 deaths and over 150 people hospitalized.
Eleven people, including four terrorists directly involved in the attack, were previously arrested by the Federal Security Service (FSB) while attempting to escape to Ukraine. Despite Russia’s admission that the attack was carried out by Islamists, they continue to search for a “Ukrainian footprint” in the incident. Ukraine has denied any involvement in the attack, which is considered one of Russia’s deadliest incidents in 20 years.