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)
Liverpool confirms Arne Slot as Jurgen Klopp's replacement
Schneider Electric says Chinese market remains important
Shirley MacLaine celebrates her landmark 90th birthday with low
Newgarden's next challenge is to repair his reputation around IndyCar after disqualification
Everybody may love Raymond, but Ray Romano loves Peter Boyle
Trump promised big plans for Black and Latino voters. Republicans are waiting for them
Yu Darvish extends scoreless innings streak to 25 in Padres' 9
Trump promised big plans for Black and Latino voters. Republicans are waiting for them
Four people killed in a house explosion in southwestern Missouri
UN warns Sudan paramilitary forces are encircling a capital in western Darfur, urges against attack