Amidst the aftermath of a devastating shooting that claimed the lives of 93 people at a concert near Moscow, tensions between Russia and the United States escalated as Russia accused the US of withholding information regarding the alleged involvement of Ukrainians in the attack.
Hours after the tragedy unfolded, the White House made a statement asserting that there was no initial indication of Ukrainian involvement in the “terrible” attack. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, during a press conference, addressed queries about Ukrainian involvement, stating that there was no evidence to suggest such a connection at that time. He emphasized that the US was still gathering information regarding the incident, expressing condolences for the victims and their families.
Reacting to Kirby’s remarks, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, criticized the White House’s stance, questioning the basis of their conclusions amidst the ongoing tragedy. She demanded that if the US possessed reliable information, it should be shared with Russian authorities immediately. Zakharova stressed that all those involved in the attack, as per the Russian leadership, would be identified by competent authorities.
The situation was further complicated by earlier warnings issued by the US regarding a potential terrorist attack in Moscow. Kirby had previously cautioned Russia about the possibility of such an attack, prompting the State Department to advise Americans in Moscow to avoid large gatherings, including concerts. Adrienne Watson, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, clarified that the US government had shared information about the planned attack with Russian authorities in accordance with its “duty to warn” policy.
The terror attack itself unfolded when gunmen, dressed in camouflage, indiscriminately opened fire on concertgoers using automatic weapons. The brutal assault resulted in the loss of 93 lives and left 145 others injured, marking it as the deadliest attack in Russia since the 2004 Beslan school siege. Videos depicting the chaos and terror of the event circulated widely, showing people seeking refuge amidst the relentless gunfire and anguished cries.
As investigations into the attack continue and tensions between Russia and the United States persist, the tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the persistent threat of terrorism and the urgent need for international cooperation in combating such atrocities.
