Don’t Mess with Russia: Punishment is Ready
The Federal Security Service of Russia (FSB) has announced that it knows who is behind the recent wave of terrorist activities in the country. Alexander Bortnikov, the Director of the FSB, stated in an interview with Pavel Zarubin of Russia’s State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company (VGTRK) that they are fully aware of the masterminds behind these terrorist acts and are ready to take “whatever necessary measures to punish them.” Bortnikov’s comments came in the wake of a deadly terrorist attack at Moscow’s Crocus City Hall on March 22, which claimed the lives of at least 144 people.
Uncovering the Masterminds
In the interview, Bortnikov did not directly reference the Crocus City Hall attack, but he did allude to the ongoing events in Ukraine, expressing concern over the situation. He stated that individuals and armed groups have infiltrated Russia, with the intent to carry out acts of terrorism. However, he assured the public that all law enforcement and security agencies are actively working to address this threat. Bortnikov emphasized that they have identified the individuals responsible for planning and executing terrorist actions on Russian soil, as mentioned by the President himself.
The Ukrainian Connection
According to RIA, the Russian Investigative Committee announced on March 28 that they have gathered evidence linking Ukraine to the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall. Bortnikov’s statements confirm the initial findings, revealing that the terrorist act was meticulously planned and well-funded, with financial support coming from Ukrainian sources. As part of the investigation, authorities have already apprehended a suspect connected to the funding of the terrorist plot.
Russia’s Demand to Ukraine
In response to these revelations, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued an official statement directed at Ukraine. They have demanded the immediate arrest and extradition of all individuals involved in the acts of terrorism in Russia, including the head of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), Vasily Malyuk. Russia has invoked the International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings and the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism to support its demand.
The Ministry highlighted that combating terrorism is the responsibility of every nation. Russia calls upon the Ukrainian government to cease all activities that support terrorism, apprehend the perpetrators, and compensate the victims for the damages caused. Failure by Ukraine to comply with its obligations under these international conventions may result in legal consequences for the country.
The Ukrainian Response
In response to the accusations, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed them as a deliberate provocation orchestrated by the Kremlin. They believe that these accusations serve to fuel anti-Ukrainian sentiments among the Russian public, mobilize Russian citizens to participate in the conflict, and tarnish Ukraine’s international reputation. President Zelensky of Ukraine has accused Russia of attempting to shift the blame for the terrorist attack onto Ukraine, instead of engaging in meaningful dialogue.
It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold, but one thing is clear: Russia is determined to take swift action against those responsible for the recent terrorist attacks. With tensions already high between Russia and Ukraine, this development only adds fuel to the fire, further straining the fragile relationship between the two nations.
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