President Vladimir Putin has vowed to track down the masterminds behind the recent deadly attack at a Moscow concert hall that left 144 people dead. Despite claims from the Islamic State group and Kyiv’s denial, Putin has repeatedly linked the attack to Ukraine and the West. He urged law enforcement agencies to tighten security at mass gatherings and stressed the importance of identifying all those responsible for the tragedy, as well as any beneficiaries of the attack. The President also issued a warning against using the incident to incite ethnic tensions, xenophobia, or Islamophobia and stressed the importance of maintaining unity within the country.
Four suspects from Tajikistan have been detained in connection with the attack, along with seven alleged accomplices. The incident has led to increased anti-migrant sentiments in Russia and calls to limit immigration, despite the country’s heavy reliance on migrant workers, particularly from former Soviet nations in Central Asia. Russian media reported strengthened controls over migrants following the attack, and Putin urged the Interior Ministry to tighten security measures to prevent individuals with criminal backgrounds from obtaining work permits or citizenship. Many have raised concerns over how gunmen were able to easily carry out the attack, suggesting a lapse in the country’s security apparatus.
Kremlin critics argue that the focus of Russian security forces on stifling political opposition and civil society has left the country vulnerable to terrorist threats. Putin has called for an investigation into the response to the concert hall attack and emphasized the need to enhance security at public events and facilities. He accused Moscow’s foreign adversaries of attempting to destabilize the country and gain control over its resources, warning that they are mistaken in their efforts. The Islamic State affiliate in Afghanistan claimed responsibility for the attack, and the U.S. government confirmed sharing information with Russia about an imminent threat prior to the incident.
In early March, the U.S. Embassy issued a warning to Americans in Moscow to avoid large gatherings, including concerts, due to imminent extremist threats. Putin dismissed the warning as an attempt to intimidate or blackmail the Kremlin just days before the deadly attack occurred. Russian intelligence officials confirmed receiving the U.S. tip but noted that it lacked specific details to identify those involved in the crime. The attack has raised concerns about the effectiveness of Russia’s security measures and sparked debates about the country’s vulnerability to terrorism. Putin has called for a comprehensive analysis of the situation in order to enhance security measures at various public facilities across the nation.
