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

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.

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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.

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'sinvolvement 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.