In a televised address to the nation, President Vladimir Putin urged the international community to stand in solidarity with Russia following a devastating attack that claimed the lives of 143 individuals and left several others injured at a concert hall near Moscow. The 71-year-old leader pledged to bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice.
“We will not rest until those responsible for this despicable attack face the full consequences of their actions,” President Putin stated. He revealed that the four gunmen directly involved in the assault had been apprehended while attempting to flee towards the Russian-Ukrainian border. “Our investigators are diligently working to identify and hold accountable all those involved in orchestrating this cowardly act of terror,” he added.
The Russian authorities currently have 11 suspects in custody, including the four gunmen responsible for carrying out the attack. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the assault, boasting that its fighters had targeted a large gathering on the outskirts of Moscow before safely retreating to their bases.
Putin emphasized the need for unity in the face of such threats, stating, “Terrorism knows no boundaries, and it is imperative that we stand together against this common enemy.” He called upon other nations to cooperate with Russia in combating terrorism, asserting that collective strength and resolve would prevail over such nefarious forces.
Addressing allegations of involvement by Ukrainian authorities, Putin dismissed them as baseless provocations, emphasizing Russia’s commitment to combating terrorism regardless of its origins. The Federal Security Service (FSB) confirmed that the attackers had intended to flee across the Russian-Ukrainian border, indicating potential contacts on the Ukrainian side.
Despite attempts to sow division, Putin reaffirmed Russia’s determination to overcome such challenges, drawing on the nation’s history of resilience. “Our common duty is to remain united in the face of adversity,” he concluded, urging solidarity and cooperation to confront the scourge of terrorism.