Russian President Vladimir Putin described the perpetrators in the recent Moscow concert hall attack as “radical Islamists,” but persisted in implicating Ukraine despite the Islamic State (IS) affiliate claiming responsibility, Associated Press reports.
The attack, the deadliest in Russia in years, left 139 dead and over 180 injured. The suspects, four Tajikistan nationals, appeared in court with signs of severe beatings, raising concerns about coerced confessions. Putin emphasized the need to ascertain why the assailants allegedly sought refuge in Ukraine after the assault and suggested possible Ukrainian involvement, a claim Kyiv denies.
The attack came shortly after Putin’s re-election and prompted questions about the effectiveness of Russia’s security apparatus. IS has a history of targeting Russia, including the downing of a passenger plane in 2015.
