The director of Russia's security service accused Western and Ukrainian intelligence of supporting the shooters at the theater in Moscow province.
According to the FSB director, Russia has identified the mastermind of the shooting at the Crocus City Hall theater on March 22, which left 3 people dead and hundreds injured. "However, we have not yet identified the person who ordered it," Mr. Bortnikov said.
Fire at Crocus City Hall theater, Moscow province, Russia on March 23. Image: RIA Novosti
Mr. Bortnikov said the perpetrators of the shooting “tried to flee across the border into Ukraine,” where they “will be welcomed as heroes.” He commented that Ukraine is trying to prove that it is capable "through a series of acts of sabotage and terrorism" in the Russian rear.
The FSB director affirmed that there is a large amount of information showing that the West and Ukraine "are working to cause greater harm" to Russia. "Many attacks by small unmanned aircraft (drones), suicide boats and a series of intrusions by sabotage groups and terrorist organizations into Russian territory have taken place," Mr. Bortnikov said.
The crime and escape route of the Russian theater terrorist group
FSB leaders have not published evidence related to his statement. Previously, Ukraine denied information that it was involved in the shooting at the Crocus theater, saying that Moscow was trying to blame Kiev.
Russian authorities arrested 11 people involved, including 4 gunmen who directly attacked the Crocus theater. These four suspects are all citizens of Tajikistan. One gunman claimed to have received orders from a Muslim cleric online and was promised nearly $4 in payment.
Developments of the terrorist attack at the Russian theater. Video: Izvestia
Nguyễn Tiến (Follow AFP, TASS, RIA Novosti)
