MOSCOW, March 26 (Xinhua) -- The terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall concert venue was prepared by radical Islamists, and the Ukrainian intelligence services were directly involved, said Director of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) Alexander Bortnikov.
"We believe that the attack was prepared by radical Islamists, and naturally Western intelligence services also contributed to this," Bortnikov said in an interview with TV broadcast Rossiya 1, adding that Ukrainian special services were "directly involved."
The Western intelligence and Ukraine needed the Crocus City Hall terrorist attack to create panic in Russian society, he noted.
Previously, Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly rejected claims of Ukraine's involvement in the attack.
A shooting occurred Friday in the Crocus City Hall concert venue in suburban Moscow, followed by a massive fire. The Russian Investigative Committee said that at least 139 people were killed as a result of the terrorist attack.
(Editor:Fu Bo)
US not a sincere mediator in Israeli
Chinese Embassy deplores Romania's rejection of Huawei's 5G equipment authorization
China's national legislature to hold press conference ahead of annual session
New cultural buildings open in capital's sub
Rape, terror and death at sea: How a boat carrying Rohingya children, women and men capsized
The only land port between China and Pakistan welcomed its first customs clearance of 2024
China 'disappointed' as U.S. blocks Gaza ceasefire for 4th time at UN
Media center ready for influx of international reporters
Reigning champions Liaoning on verge of playoff exit
Manila move a violation of sovereignty
Why the verdict in New Hampshire's trial over youth center abuse is being disputed
Continued evolution of law improves governing capacity