Russia is immersed in grief as flags fly at half-mast following a devastating attack during a rock concert near Moscow, marking the deadliest assault on Russian soil in two decades. President Vladimir Putin declared a national day of mourning, vowing to bring those responsible to justice after 133 lives were lost, including three children, with over 150 others injured.
Expressing condolences to the bereaved, Putin declared solidarity with the mourning nation. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, although Putin refrained from directly linking the group to the assailants. He suggested the attackers aimed to flee to Ukraine, implicating individuals on the Ukrainian side in aiding their escape.
In a show of solidarity, citizens laid flowers at the Crocus City Hall, the venue of the tragic incident, where armed men disrupted the concert, indiscriminately firing at the crowd. The harrowing scene echoes memories of past tragedies like the 2004 Beslan school siege, amplifying the shock and grief across the nation.
Putin disclosed that 11 individuals, including the gunmen, were apprehended, shedding light on their attempts to flee towards Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned Putin’s attempt to shift blame, asserting Russian responsibility. Video footage surfaced, showing one suspect admitting to the attack for monetary gain.
Despite the Islamic State’s claim of responsibility, the motive behind the assault remains murky. The White House affirmed sharing intelligence with Russia about a planned attack, absolving Ukraine of involvement and holding the Islamic State solely accountable.
As Russia grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, the nation stands united in mourning, determined to confront the specter of terrorism and seek justice for the victims.
