The Moscow concert hall attack that occurred last month resulted in the death of at least 145 people and left many more injured. Four suspected gunmen have claimed that they were promised safe passage to Ukraine and a financial award in exchange for their involvement in the attack. The blame has been placed on Ukraine and its Western partners by Russian officials, despite the Islamic State taking responsibility for the massacre. However, Kyiv and the West deny any involvement and accuse Moscow of using the tragedy for propaganda purposes.
The suspects, when questioned about their plans after the attack, stated that they were headed towards Kyiv. The reliability of information obtained during police interrogations has been called into question due to visible signs of abuse on the suspects when they appeared in court. Additionally, unverified graphic photos and videos circulating online suggest that the suspects may have been tortured. The four suspects were detained in the Bryansk region of western Russia, which borders Ukraine and Belarus. Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, claim that the suspects were caught driving towards Ukraine, while Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated they had tried to cross into Belarus.
According to a report that aired on state television, Ukrainian forces had allegedly removed mines from the border in anticipation of the suspects’ arrival in Kyiv. The suspects were reportedly promised a financial award of 1 million rubles ($10,800) each upon their arrival in Ukraine. Three of the suspects were said to be under the influence of drugs that induced a state of euphoria during the attack. The report also dismissed the claim made by the Islamic State of responsibility for the attack, labeling it as propaganda by Western media and foreign agents.
The suspects in the Moscow concert hall attack have alleged that they were lured to Ukraine with the promise of money and safe passage, despite conflicting accounts from Russian and Belarusian officials. The suspects claimed that they were planning to head towards Kyiv after the attack and were promised a significant financial reward upon their arrival. Ukrainian forces were said to have been prepared for the suspects’ entry into the country, and the suspects were reported to be under the influence of drugs during the attack. The Islamic State’s claim of responsibility for the attack has been dismissed as propaganda by the Western media and foreign agents.
The situation surrounding the Moscow concert hall attack continues to be shrouded in controversy and conflicting reports. While the suspects have made claims of being promised rewards in Ukraine, Russian officials are pointing fingers at Ukraine and its Western partners for their involvement in the attack. The reliability of information obtained during police interrogations has been questioned due to signs of abuse on the suspects and allegations of torture. As the investigation into the attack and the suspects’ motives continues, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and who will ultimately be held responsible for this tragic event.
