Russia’s investigative committee claims it has evidence linking the gunmen responsible for the deadly concert hall attack in Moscow to Ukrainian nationalists. The attack, which took place at the Crocus City concert hall on the outskirts of Moscow, resulted in at least 143 deaths. The committee also arrested another possible suspect involved in terrorist financing.
The White House criticized Russian leaders for trying to link Ukraine to the attack, calling them “trash peddlers” for spreading propaganda. However, the Russian Investigative Committee maintains that the attackers received significant sums of cash and cryptocurrency from Ukraine, which were used to plan and execute the attacks. They also identified and detained another terrorist financing suspect.
Through their investigation, the Russian authorities obtained confirmed data showing a connection between the attackers and Ukrainian nationalists. Eight other suspects were arrested on terrorism charges in connection with the incident. Despite Russia’s admission that the attack was carried out by Islamists, they continue to search for a “Ukrainian fingerprint” in the incident. Ukraine has denied any involvement in the attack, which is considered one of the deadliest in Russia in 20 years.