The director of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), Alexander Bortnikov, said on Tuesday that the US, UK, and Ukraine were behind the Moscow concert hall attack that killed at least 139 people on Friday - despite repeated claims of responsibility by Islamic State. Russian president has also insisted on alleged Ukrainian involvement. No proof has been provided for these claims...Then why is Russia insisting that there was a Western hand behind those attacks?

Russia blames Ukrainians for concert hall terror attack, claims to have evidence against Kyiv

Russia has no designs on any NATO country and will not attack Poland, the Baltic states or the Czech Republic but if the West supplies F-16 fighters to Ukraine then they will be shot down by Russian forces, President Vladimir Putin said late on Wednesday (March 27).

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Russia is gaining momentum in its assault on Ukraine amid stalled Western aid. How will this play out on ground, what's the situation currently? Watch in for more details!

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Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba had arrived in New Delhi. He made a visit to advance Kyiv's vision of the path to peace in Ukraine & to strengthen ties with India.

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A prolonged war against Russia and delayed shipments from the West have unknowingly given a push to Ukraine's indigenous weapons industry. Before 2022, Ukraine made practically no weapons of its own they were all bought from its allies but now two years into the ongoing Ukraine Russia war Kyiv is increasingly relying on its own for replenishing the ammunitions. Watch in for more details!

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The director of Russia’s top security agency, on Tuesday (Mar 26) said that he believed that Ukraine, along with the United States and the United Kingdom, were involved in the terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall near the Russian capital city of Moscow on Friday (Mar 22).&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a Russian court remanded an eighth suspect in custody over his alleged involvement in the mass shooting which claimed the lives of at least 139 people and left 182 others wounded.&nbsp;

<h2>Allegations by Russia’s FSB chief</h2>

Alexander Bortnikov, director of the Federal Security Service (FSB), said they believe that the terrorist attack was “prepared by both the Islamist radicals themselves and was facilitated by Western special services.”&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Moscow Terror Attack: Russia's Putin says 'radical Islamists' behind attack

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This comes a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin, for the first time since the attack, acknowledged the involvement of “radical Islamists,” while reasserting his claims that Ukraine likely played a role in the shootout.&nbsp;

The Russian president continues to blame Ukraine despite the Islamic State claiming responsibility for the attack. Similarly, Bortnikov said “special services” of Ukraine&nbsp;are “directly related to this” claiming that Kyiv helped prepare Islamist radicals at an undisclosed location in the Middle East.

Russian reporters also asked the FSB chief if he thought Ukraine’s allies in the West, the US and the UK, were involved in the attack. “We think that’s the case. In any case, we are now talking about the texture that we have. This is general information,” said Bortnikov.&nbsp;

Ukrainian officials, including the president, have repeatedly denied any link to Friday’s attack and dismissed Russian accusations as lies.&nbsp;

The US National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson&nbsp;previously said that Washington had shared intelligence with Russia about a planned attack in Moscow.&nbsp;

The FSB chief, when asked about the information supplied by the US, said it was not always very concrete, reported Reuters.

The United States and France say intelligence suggests the group was indeed behind the attack.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-claims-radical-islamists-orchestrated-moscow-concert-attack-reasserts-ukraines-link-704241">Putin repeats Islamist, Ukraine link with Moscow concert attack</a>

French President Emmanuel Macron, on Monday (Mar 25), said the current information available “indicates indeed that it was an entity of the Islamic State that instigated this attack.”&nbsp;

He also said that it would be “counterproductive” for Russia “to use this context to try and turn it against Ukraine.”

<h2>Eighth suspect remanded in custody</h2>

On Tuesday, a Russian court remanded in custody Kyrgyzstan-born Alisher Kasimov for his suspected involvement in Friday’s mass shooting and sent investigators to Tajikistan to question the families of four men charged for allegedly carrying out the attack.&nbsp;

Moscow has previously said that four suspected gunmen have confessed. However, the suspects showed signs of injuries when they appeared in court raising concerns that they had been tortured.&nbsp;

Russia’s commissioner for human rights Tatyana Moskalkova said that the detention of suspects should be carried out in accordance with the law, reported news agency TASS, and called it “absolutely unacceptable to use torture on detainees and defendants.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-detains-nearly-150-over-alleged-isis-links-after-moscow-terror-attack-704489">Turkey detains nearly 150 over alleged ISIS links after Moscow terror attack</a>

In court, Kasimov, who has been accused of providing accommodation to the four Tajik men who allegedly carried out the attack, showed no visible signs of injury.&nbsp;

So far, Russian authorities have detained 11 people, including four suspected gunmen.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The director of Russia’s top security agency, on Tuesday (Mar 26) said that he believed that Ukraine, along with the United States and the United Kingdom, were involved in the terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall near the Russian capital city of Moscow on Friday (Mar 22).

The director of Russia’s top security agency, on Tuesday (Mar 26) said that he believed that Ukraine, along with the United States and the United Kingdom, were involved in the terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall near the Russian capital city of Moscow on Friday (Mar 22). Meanwhile, a Russian court remanded an eighth suspect in custody over his alleged involvement in the mass shooting which claimed the lives of at least 139 people and left 182 others wounded. Allegations by Russia’s FSB chief Alexander Bortnikov, director of the Federal Security Service (FSB), said they believe that the terrorist attack was “prepared by both the Islamist radicals themselves and was facilitated by Western special services.” WATCH | Moscow Terror Attack: Russia's Putin says 'radical Islamists' behind attack This comes a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin, for the first time since the attack, acknowledged the involvement of “radical Islamists,” while reasserting his claims that Ukraine likely played a role in the shootout. The Russian president continues to blame Ukraine despite the Islamic State claiming responsibility for the attack. Similarly, Bortnikov said “special services” of Ukraine are “directly related to this” claiming that Kyiv helped prepare Islamist radicals at an undisclosed location in the Middle East. Russian reporters also asked the FSB chief if he thought Ukraine’s allies in the West, the US and the UK, were involved in the attack. “We think that’s the case. In any case, we are now talking about the texture that we have. This is general information,” said Bortnikov. Ukrainian officials, including the president, have repeatedly denied any link to Friday’s attack and dismissed Russian accusations as lies. The US National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson previously said that Washington had shared intelligence with Russia about a planned attack in Moscow. The FSB chief, when asked about the information supplied by the US, said it was not always very concrete, reported Reuters. The United States and France say intelligence suggests the group was indeed behind the attack. Also Read | Putin repeats Islamist, Ukraine link with Moscow concert attack French President Emmanuel Macron, on Monday (Mar 25), said the current information available “indicates indeed that it was an entity of the Islamic State that instigated this attack.” He also said that it would be “counterproductive” for Russia “to use this context to try and turn it against Ukraine.” Eighth suspect remanded in custody On Tuesday, a Russian court remanded in custody Kyrgyzstan-born Alisher Kasimov for his suspected involvement in Friday’s mass shooting and sent investigators to Tajikistan to question the families of four men charged for allegedly carrying out the attack. Moscow has previously said that four suspected gunmen have confessed. However, the suspects showed signs of injuries when they appeared in court raising concerns that they had been tortured. Russia’s commissioner for human rights Tatyana Moskalkova said that the detention of suspects should be carried out in accordance with the law, reported news agency TASS, and called it “absolutely unacceptable to use torture on detainees and defendants.” Also Read | Turkey detains nearly 150 over alleged ISIS links after Moscow terror attack In court, Kasimov, who has been accused of providing accommodation to the four Tajik men who allegedly carried out the attack, showed no visible signs of injury. So far, Russian authorities have detained 11 people, including four suspected gunmen. (With inputs from agencies)

Moscow terror attack: Russia now claims US, UK also involved in the mass shooting

A prolonged war against Russia and delayed shipments from the West have unknowingly given a push to Ukraine's indigenous weapons industry. Before 2022, Ukraine made practically no weapons of its own they were all bought from its allies but now two years into the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war Kyiv is increasingly relying on its own for replenishing the ammunitions. Watch in for more details!

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Ukraine's security council secretary Oleksiy Danilov was dismissed and replaced by foreign intelligence service chief Oleksandr Lytvynenko under decrees published on the presidential website on Tuesday.

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Moscow Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Islamist militants were indeed behind the worst terror incident Russia has experienced in over two decades. Watch to know more!

Crocus City Hall Attack: Russian President Putin says Islamists behind concert hall attack

Russian President Vladimir Putin has now said that the radical Islamists carried out the Crocus City concert hall attack, however, he reasserted his claims that Ukraine is likely to have been involved in the shootout, which left 139 dead.&nbsp;

While addressing the nation on Telegram, Putin said, "We know that the crime was carried out by the hand of radical Islamists with an ideology that the Muslim world has fought for centuries. The question that arises is who benefits from this?"

“We are interested in who ordered it,” the Russian president said, further stating that the shooting is likely to be a part of the campaign of intimidation by Ukraine.

“This atrocity may be just one part in a whole series of attempts by those who have been at war with our country since 2014 at the hands of the neo-Nazi Kyiv regime," Putin said.&nbsp;

"We know by whose hand the crime against Russia and its people was committed. But what is of interest to us is who ordered it," he added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-questions-us-assertions-about-islamic-state-orchestrating-moscow-attack-704210">Russia questions US assertions about Islamic State orchestrating Moscow attack</a>

Putin, however, did not name ISIS which claimed responsibility for the dastardly attack.&nbsp;

<h2>'Who benefits from this?' Putin hints at Ukraine's role in attack</h2>

While addressing the country on Telegram, the Russian president hinted at Ukraine's role in the attack to "show their own population that not all is lost for the Kyiv regime".

He added that the Russian security officials nabbed the attackers while they were trying to escape to Ukraine. "The question that arises is who benefits from this?" said Putin.

Speaking about the statements by the US which indicated that Ukraine was involved in the attack, Putin said, “The US is trying to convince everyone that there is no Kyiv trace.”

He then repeated his earlier assertion that the attackers had planned to run away to Ukraine before they were arrested.&nbsp;“Who was waiting for them there?” Putin quizzed.

However, Kyiv denied playing any role in the attack and accused Russia of falsely blaming them to further escalate the fighting in Ukraine.

Watch:&nbsp;Moscow Attack: Islamist Terror From Former Soviet States Haunts Russia

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On Saturday (Mar 23), Putin said that Ukraine had helped the attackers and planned to “open a window” for the gunmen to escape.

However, US intelligence services warned that IS cells active in Russia were making plans to target concert venues. Putin’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed that Russia’s security services did not take any help from the West.&nbsp;

“No, our security services are working on their own, no assistance is currently on the table,” he said while speaking to journalists.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin has now said that the radical Islamists carried out the Crocus City concert hall attack, however, he reasserted his claims that Ukraine is likely to have been involved in the shootout, which left 139 dead.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has now said that the radical Islamists carried out the Crocus City concert hall attack, however, he reasserted his claims that Ukraine is likely to have been involved in the shootout, which left 139 dead. While addressing the nation on Telegram, Putin said, "We know that the crime was carried out by the hand of radical Islamists with an ideology that the Muslim world has fought for centuries. The question that arises is who benefits from this?" “We are interested in who ordered it,” the Russian president said, further stating that the shooting is likely to be a part of the campaign of intimidation by Ukraine. “This atrocity may be just one part in a whole series of attempts by those who have been at war with our country since 2014 at the hands of the neo-Nazi Kyiv regime," Putin said. "We know by whose hand the crime against Russia and its people was committed. But what is of interest to us is who ordered it," he added. Also Read: Russia questions US assertions about Islamic State orchestrating Moscow attack Putin, however, did not name ISIS which claimed responsibility for the dastardly attack. 'Who benefits from this?' Putin hints at Ukraine's role in attack While addressing the country on Telegram, the Russian president hinted at Ukraine's role in the attack to "show their own population that not all is lost for the Kyiv regime". He added that the Russian security officials nabbed the attackers while they were trying to escape to Ukraine. "The question that arises is who benefits from this?" said Putin. Speaking about the statements by the US which indicated that Ukraine was involved in the attack, Putin said, “The US is trying to convince everyone that there is no Kyiv trace.” He then repeated his earlier assertion that the attackers had planned to run away to Ukraine before they were arrested. “Who was waiting for them there?” Putin quizzed. However, Kyiv denied playing any role in the attack and accused Russia of falsely blaming them to further escalate the fighting in Ukraine. Watch: Moscow Attack: Islamist Terror From Former Soviet States Haunts Russia On Saturday (Mar 23), Putin said that Ukraine had helped the attackers and planned to “open a window” for the gunmen to escape. However, US intelligence services warned that IS cells active in Russia were making plans to target concert venues. Putin’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed that Russia’s security services did not take any help from the West. “No, our security services are working on their own, no assistance is currently on the table,” he said while speaking to journalists. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Putin repeats Islamist, Ukraine link with Moscow concert attack

With Russia unleashing a wave of missile strikes on energy infrastructure in Ukraine Ukrainian President Vladimir. Zelenskyy said that citizens are facing massive power supply crunch in cities like Kharkiv. Watch to know more!

Russia-Ukraine war: Russian strike on power infrastructure cripples Ukraine

Ukraine war: Russian strike on power infrastructure cripples Ukraine

Russia renewed its attack on Kyiv. On Monday, Russia launched hypersonic missiles at the Ukrainian capital, injuring at least 10 residents of a 3-storey building. Ukrainian officials say two ballistic missiles were intercepted, but civilians were injured due to falling debris. Explosions were also heard across the city.

Russia Launches Hypersonic Missile Strike on Kyiv, Several Injured

Russia struck critical infrastructure in Ukraine's western region of Lviv with missiles early on Sunday, Kyiv said, in a major airstrike that saw one Russian cruise missile briefly fly into Polish airspace according to Warsaw.

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At least 11 people have been injured in overnight Russian airstrikes on Ukraine's southwestern Odesa and southern Kherson regions. A three-storey residential building was hit in the Mykolaiv city. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia onslaught on Ukraine's Odesa leaves 11 people injured

Poland demanded an explanation from Russia on Sunday after one of its missiles strayed briefly into Polish airspace during a massive missile attack on Ukraine, prompting the NATO member to activate F-16 fighter jets.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russian missile headed for Ukraine enters Polish airspace

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a nightly public address condemned Russia for trying to shift the blame of the Moscow mall attack on Kyiv. Calling Russian president Vladimir Putin a “low-life”, Zelensky said: “What happened yesterday in Moscow is obvious: Putin and the other scum are just trying to blame it on someone else … They always have the same methods.”

The statement came after Putin in a public address claimed that the attackers tried to flee to Ukraine. "They tried to hide and moved towards Ukraine, where, according to preliminary data, a window was prepared for them on the Ukrainian side to cross the state border," Putin said. Russia’s security agency FSB also said that the gunmen had ‘contacts in Ukraine’.

The Crocus City Hall attack on Friday (Mar 22) left at least 133 people dead as doctors were struggling to save the lives of more than 100 injured. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack. Moscow has so far detained 4 suspects involved in the mass shooting.

<h2>IS releases new footage of the attack</h2>

Meanwhile, ISIS on Saturday (Mar 23) released footage on its Telegram which it claimed is of the Crocus City Hall attack.

The 1.31-minute video shows a close-up view of the gunmen opening fire on people.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-vows-action-after-moscow-terror-attack-says-attackers-tried-to-flee-towards-ukraine-703522">Also read:&nbsp;Putin vows action after Moscow terror attack, says attackers tried to flee towards Ukraine</a>

Neither Putin nor any top Russian officials have yet commented on IS’s claims of responsibility for the attack.

<h2>US says only IS responsible</h2>

US on Saturday backed Ukraine saying only ISIS was responsible for the attack and Kyiv had no role.

The US National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson in a statement said, “ISIS bears sole responsibility for this attack. There was no Ukrainian involvement whatsoever.”

Watch:&nbsp;Terror attack in Moscow: Concert shooting death toll climbs to 133

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Later in a social media post, Watson also claimed that the US had shared crucial intelligence with Russia regarding a planned terrorist attack.&nbsp;

“The US Government had information about a planned terrorist attack in Moscow – potentially targeting large gatherings, to include concerts – which prompted the State Department to issue a public advisory to Americans in Russia,” she posted on X.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a nightly public address condemned Russia for trying to shift the blame of the Moscow mall attack on Kyiv. Calling Russian president Vladimir Putin a “low-life”, Zelensky said: “What happened yesterday in Moscow is obvious: Putin and the other scum are just trying to blame it on someone else … They always have the same methods.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a nightly public address condemned Russia for trying to shift the blame of the Moscow mall attack on Kyiv. Calling Russian president Vladimir Putin a “low-life”, Zelensky said: “What happened yesterday in Moscow is obvious: Putin and the other scum are just trying to blame it on someone else … They always have the same methods.” The statement came after Putin in a public address claimed that the attackers tried to flee to Ukraine. "They tried to hide and moved towards Ukraine, where, according to preliminary data, a window was prepared for them on the Ukrainian side to cross the state border," Putin said. Russia’s security agency FSB also said that the gunmen had ‘contacts in Ukraine’. The Crocus City Hall attack on Friday (Mar 22) left at least 133 people dead as doctors were struggling to save the lives of more than 100 injured. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack. Moscow has so far detained 4 suspects involved in the mass shooting. IS releases new footage of the attack Meanwhile, ISIS on Saturday (Mar 23) released footage on its Telegram which it claimed is of the Crocus City Hall attack. The 1.31-minute video shows a close-up view of the gunmen opening fire on people. Also read: Putin vows action after Moscow terror attack, says attackers tried to flee towards Ukraine Neither Putin nor any top Russian officials have yet commented on IS’s claims of responsibility for the attack. US says only IS responsible US on Saturday backed Ukraine saying only ISIS was responsible for the attack and Kyiv had no role. The US National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson in a statement said, “ISIS bears sole responsibility for this attack. There was no Ukrainian involvement whatsoever.” Watch: Terror attack in Moscow: Concert shooting death toll climbs to 133 × Later in a social media post, Watson also claimed that the US had shared crucial intelligence with Russia regarding a planned terrorist attack. “The US Government had information about a planned terrorist attack in Moscow – potentially targeting large gatherings, to include concerts – which prompted the State Department to issue a public advisory to Americans in Russia,” she posted on X. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Low-life Putin trying to shift blame’: Zelensky condemns Russia for linking Moscow attack to Ukraine

Ukraine early on Sunday (Mar 24) launched attacks on the annexed Crimean peninsula and said that it "successfully hit" two Russian large landing ships along with a communications centre and several infrastructure facilities of the Russian Black Sea Fleet.

The Ukrainian military in its statement did not specify the medium it chose to hit the targets, however, a Moscow-installed official in the region reported a major Ukrainian air attack and stated that the air defences had downed more than 10 missiles over the Crimean port of Sevastopol.

"The defence forces of Ukraine successfully hit the Azov and Yamal large landing ships, a communications centre and also several infrastructure facilities of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in temporarily occupied Crimea," Ukraine's military said.

Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Russian-installed governor of Sevastopol, on the Telegram messaging application stated that transport infrastructure including the passenger boats was partially damaged, according to news agency Reuters reports.

"Of the six boats, five had their windows broken ... During the day, the windows of the damaged boats will be replaced and as they are restored they will be brought back online," he said.

Razvozhayev further stated that during the overnight attacks, several vehicles were damaged which included three passenger buses, 13 school buses and one trolley bus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/low-life-putin-trying-to-shift-blame-zelensky-condemns-russia-for-linking-moscow-attack-to-ukraine-703602">‘Low-life Putin trying to shift blame’: Zelensky condemns Russia for linking Moscow attack to Ukraine</a>

<h2>Russia launches aerial assault on Ukraine</h2>

Russia on Sunday (Mar 24) launched an aerial assault on Ukraine's capital Kyiv and the western region of Lviv, reported news agency AFP citing officials.

"Explosions in the capital. Air defence is working. Do not leave shelters," Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko posted on Telegram. Lviv regional governor Maksym Kozytskyi said Stryi district, south of the city of Lviv, was also under attack. 
&nbsp; 
The assault comes as Russia mourns the tragic terrorist attack on the Moscow concert hall and blames Ukraine for it.

Ukraine's air defence forces destroyed about a dozen Russia-launched missiles, said Serhiy Popko, head of Kyiv's military administration, on Telegram. Preliminary information showed no casualties or major damage as a result of the attacks, he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Ukraine early on Sunday (Mar 24) launched attacks on the annexed Crimean peninsula and said that it "successfully hit" two Russian large landing ships along with a communications centre and several infrastructure facilities of the Russian Black Sea Fleet.

Ukraine early on Sunday (Mar 24) launched attacks on the annexed Crimean peninsula and said that it "successfully hit" two Russian large landing ships along with a communications centre and several infrastructure facilities of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. The Ukrainian military in its statement did not specify the medium it chose to hit the targets, however, a Moscow-installed official in the region reported a major Ukrainian air attack and stated that the air defences had downed more than 10 missiles over the Crimean port of Sevastopol. "The defence forces of Ukraine successfully hit the Azov and Yamal large landing ships, a communications centre and also several infrastructure facilities of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in temporarily occupied Crimea," Ukraine's military said. Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Russian-installed governor of Sevastopol, on the Telegram messaging application stated that transport infrastructure including the passenger boats was partially damaged, according to news agency Reuters reports. "Of the six boats, five had their windows broken ... During the day, the windows of the damaged boats will be replaced and as they are restored they will be brought back online," he said. Razvozhayev further stated that during the overnight attacks, several vehicles were damaged which included three passenger buses, 13 school buses and one trolley bus. Also read: ‘Low-life Putin trying to shift blame’: Zelensky condemns Russia for linking Moscow attack to Ukraine Russia launches aerial assault on Ukraine Russia on Sunday (Mar 24) launched an aerial assault on Ukraine's capital Kyiv and the western region of Lviv, reported news agency AFP citing officials. "Explosions in the capital. Air defence is working. Do not leave shelters," Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko posted on Telegram. Lviv regional governor Maksym Kozytskyi said Stryi district, south of the city of Lviv, was also under attack. The assault comes as Russia mourns the tragic terrorist attack on the Moscow concert hall and blames Ukraine for it. Ukraine's air defence forces destroyed about a dozen Russia-launched missiles, said Serhiy Popko, head of Kyiv's military administration, on Telegram. Preliminary information showed no casualties or major damage as a result of the attacks, he added. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Ukraine launches strikes on Crimea, claims it hit two Russian warships

The terror attack in Moscow is playing out indirectly on the battlefield in Ukraine. Russia launched air strikes on Kyiv and the Western Ukrainian region of Lviv. This has prompted neighbouring Poland's Armed Forces to activate aircraft to ensure Airspace safety near the border.

Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv hit by multiple explosions in Russian bombardment

Russia-Ukraine war | Poland Defence: Polish and allied aircraft have been activated

The Kremlin has issued a strong warning to the European Union on its proposal to freeze Russian Financial assets to assist Ukraine in its war effort. Moscow said the EU continuing with its plans will have 'catastrophic' consequences.

Russia-Ukraine war | Russia warns western banks over asset confiscation

Russia-Ukraine war | Why did Russia address 'war' as 'special operation'?

Russia has unleashed a wave of missile strikes on energy infrastructure in Ukraine. In the latest, a Russian missile hit and destroyed Ukraine's largest dam over the Dnipro river in southern Zaporazhzhia.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russian forces pound Ukraine's major power facilities

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia launches massive air attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure

Russia has accused the US of withholding intelligence regarding the ‘involvement’ of Ukraine in the deadly terror attack in Moscow. &nbsp;

This came after the White House on Friday (Mar 22) said it had no initial indication that Ukraine, which is fighting an invasion by Russia, was involved in a "terrible" attack on a concert hall in Moscow.

“On what basis do officials in Washington draw any conclusions in the midst of the tragedy about anyone's involvement? If the United States has or had reliable information on this matter, it must be immediately handed over to the Russian side,” asked Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian foreign ministry.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-warned-russia-of-possibility-of-terror-attack-a-month-before-703361">US says 'warned' Russia of possible terror attack a month before</a>

"And if there is no such data, then the White House has no right to issue indulgences to anyone. All those involved, according to the Russian leadership, will be identified by the competent authorities," she tweeted.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MariaTelegram?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MariaTelegram</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Zakharova?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Zakharova</a> 
Maria Zakharova, 22 March 
 
The UN Secretary-General "in the strongest terms" condemns the terrorist attack in Crocus and expresses condolences to the government and people of Russia, his office said. 
 
We thank the UN Secretary-General for the prompt… <a href="https://t.co/QlfazVx7qv">https://t.co/QlfazVx7qv</a> <a href="https://t.co/z7TJYxmQOt">pic.twitter.com/z7TJYxmQOt</a>
— Maria Zakharova (Commentary) (@_MariaZakharova) <a href="https://twitter.com/_MariaZakharova/status/1771400090667671728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Ukraine denies involvement, US reiterates Kyiv's claim</h2>

Ukraine earlier clarified that it had no role in Friday’s attack. A statement by Ukrainian presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak clarified his nation had nothing to do with the attack.

"We have a full-scale, all-out war with the Russian regular army and with the Russian Federation as a country. And regardless of everything, everything will be decided on the battlefield," he said.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, while speaking about Ukrainian's&nbsp;involvement in the Moscow terror attack at a press conference said, "There is no indication at this time that Ukraine, or Ukrainians, were involved in the shooting. I would disabuse you at this early hour of any connection to Ukraine."&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Terror attack in Moscow: Gunmen opens fire with automatic weapons on concert goers

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Kirby added that the US has been gathering information on the attack.

"The images are just horrible and hard to watch, and our thoughts obviously are going to be with the victims of this terrible, terrible shooting attack. You've got to recognise that there are some moms and dads, brothers and sisters and sons and daughters that haven't gotten the news yet. And this is going to be a tough day," he added.&nbsp;

Some unidentified gunmen opened fire at a crowd gathered at the Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk near Moscow in which at least 93 people were killed and 140 others injured. The shooting took place during Russian rock group Piknik's sold-out concert. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Russia has accused the US of withholding intelligence regarding the ‘involvement’ of Ukraine in the deadly terror attack in Moscow. This came after the White House on Friday (Mar 22) said it had no initial indication that Ukraine, which is fighting an invasion by Russia, was involved in a "terrible" attack on a concert hall in Moscow.

Russia has accused the US of withholding intelligence regarding the ‘involvement’ of Ukraine in the deadly terror attack in Moscow. This came after the White House on Friday (Mar 22) said it had no initial indication that Ukraine, which is fighting an invasion by Russia, was involved in a "terrible" attack on a concert hall in Moscow. “On what basis do officials in Washington draw any conclusions in the midst of the tragedy about anyone's involvement? If the United States has or had reliable information on this matter, it must be immediately handed over to the Russian side,” asked Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian foreign ministry. Also Read: US says 'warned' Russia of possible terror attack a month before "And if there is no such data, then the White House has no right to issue indulgences to anyone. All those involved, according to the Russian leadership, will be identified by the competent authorities," she tweeted. #MariaTelegram#Zakharova Maria Zakharova, 22 March The UN Secretary-General "in the strongest terms" condemns the terrorist attack in Crocus and expresses condolences to the government and people of Russia, his office said. We thank the UN Secretary-General for the prompt… https://t.co/QlfazVx7qv pic.twitter.com/z7TJYxmQOt — Maria Zakharova (Commentary) (@_MariaZakharova) March 23, 2024 × Ukraine denies involvement, US reiterates Kyiv's claim Ukraine earlier clarified that it had no role in Friday’s attack. A statement by Ukrainian presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak clarified his nation had nothing to do with the attack. "We have a full-scale, all-out war with the Russian regular army and with the Russian Federation as a country. And regardless of everything, everything will be decided on the battlefield," he said. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, while speaking about Ukrainian's involvement in the Moscow terror attack at a press conference said, "There is no indication at this time that Ukraine, or Ukrainians, were involved in the shooting. I would disabuse you at this early hour of any connection to Ukraine." Watch: Terror attack in Moscow: Gunmen opens fire with automatic weapons on concert goers Kirby added that the US has been gathering information on the attack. "The images are just horrible and hard to watch, and our thoughts obviously are going to be with the victims of this terrible, terrible shooting attack. You've got to recognise that there are some moms and dads, brothers and sisters and sons and daughters that haven't gotten the news yet. And this is going to be a tough day," he added. Some unidentified gunmen opened fire at a crowd gathered at the Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk near Moscow in which at least 93 people were killed and 140 others injured. The shooting took place during Russian rock group Piknik's sold-out concert. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Moscow terror attack: Russia alleges US hiding 'Ukrainian involvement' in incident

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