Russia accuses West, Ukraine of supporting Moscow shooting suspect

The head of Russia's security service has accused Western and Ukrainian intelligence of supporting the gunmen at a theater in Moscow region.

Russia has identified the mastermind of the March 22 shooting at the Crocus City Hall theater that left 139 people dead and hundreds injured, according to the FSB director. "However, we have not yet identified the person who ordered it," Mr. Bortnikov said.

Fire at Crocus City Hall theater, Moscow region, Russia on March 23. Photo: RIA Novosti — Fire at Crocus City Hall theater, Moscow region, Russia on March 23. Photo: *RIA Novosti*

Mr Bortnikov said the shooters were “trying to cross the border into Ukraine”, where they “would be greeted as heroes”. He said Ukraine was trying to show its capabilities “through acts of sabotage and terrorism” in the Russian rear.

The FSB chief said there was a large amount of information showing that the West and Ukraine were “working to cause greater harm” to Russia. “Attacks by small drones, suicide boats and a series of incursions by sabotage groups and terrorist organizations into Russian territory have taken place,” Bortnikov said.

The route of the Russian theater terrorist group's crime and escape

The FSB chief has not yet released any evidence to support his statement. Ukraine has previously denied any involvement in the Crocus theater shooting, saying Moscow was trying to shift the blame to Kiev.

Russian authorities have arrested 11 people in connection with the attack, including four gunmen who directly attacked the Crocus theater. The four suspects are all Tajik citizens, one of whom said he received orders from an online Muslim cleric and was promised nearly $11,000.