Following Friday’s terror attack in Moscow that left 137 people dead, Russia has detained three additional suspects, who will remain in detention until May 22, 2024. The suspects have been accused of crimes under Russia’s Terrorist Act. In response to Russian claims linking the attack to Ukraine, the White House dismissed this as “Kremlin propaganda”. France has increased the size of its anti-terror unit, Opération Sentinelle, by adding 4,000 soldiers to the reserve. European countries are on high alert following the attack, which the Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin stated that those responsible for the Moscow terrorist attack deserve “no mercy.” Four suspects have been charged with terrorism and two have admitted their guilt in the deadly shooting at the Crocus City Hall. The parents of detained Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich are optimistic about government-level talks over his release, as he approaches his one-year anniversary in Russian captivity. Oil prices have risen after Ukrainian drone strikes disrupted Russian oil refining capacity.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that all signs indicate the Islamic State was responsible for the Moscow attack, and it would be “cynical and counterproductive” for Russia to pin the blame on Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for more air defense systems following a ballistic missile attack on Kyiv. Amid the ongoing investigations, the Kremlin has not commented on the Islamic State’s claim of responsibility for the Moscow attack. The Russian Power Plant faced a fire, causing shutdowns, which are being linked to a purported Ukrainian drone attack.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s focus on Ukraine has raised concerns about exposing Russians to more security risks, according to foreign policy experts. As investigations into the Moscow attack continue, the suspects have appeared in court facing charges of terrorism. Emergency power outages were introduced in Ukraine’s port of Odesa after a Russian air attack damaged a high-voltage facility. Ukrainian officials reported explosions in Kyiv with debris falling in several districts of the capital.
Multiple sources have confirmed the disruptions in Russian and Ukrainian territories following the attacks. The situation remains tense as investigations and responses are ongoing, with various governments and organizations taking measures to address the aftermath of the terror attacks. The geopolitical implications and responses to these incidents continue to develop as more information becomes available.
