Russian embassy in India opens condolence book after Moscow attack

Following the Moscow terrorist attack, Russia is observing a national day of mourning on Sunday. In response, the Russian embassy in India has launched an online book of condolence for individuals who wish to express their sympathies.

Flags across Russia were lowered to half-mast to honour the victims of the deadliest attack within the country in 20 years. President Vladimir Putin announced a national day of mourning and vowed to apprehend and punish all those responsible for the attack, which claimed the lives of over 130 people and left another 150 injured.

“I express my deep, sincere condolences to all those who lost their loved ones,” Putin said in an address to the nation on Saturday, his first public comments on the attack. “The whole country and our entire people are grieving with you,” he added.

Who was responsiblefor the concert attack?

The Islamic State asserted responsibility for the attack on Friday. However, Putin has refrained from publicly linking the militant group to the attackers. Instead, he stated that they were attempting to flee to Ukraine. Putin claimed that individuals on "the Ukrainian side" were facilitating their escape across the border. Despite Putin's allegations, Ukraine has consistently denied any involvement in the attack. Putin also attributed the incident to "international terrorism."

Despite claims from the US about evidence linking the jihadists to the incident, both Moscow and Kyiv exchanged accusations on Saturday amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

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In its most recent development, the ISISreleasedbodycam footage of the attack whichnetizens say was ‘extremely graphic’.

AFP reported that the footage, spanning 90 seconds, showed multiple peoplewith obscured faces and distorted voices, armed with assault rifles and knives. The setting appears to be the lobby of the Crocus City Hall concert venue in Krasnogorsk, located northwest of Moscow.

The attackers were seen shooting multiple times, with bodies lying around.

(With inputs from agencies)