The US Embassy in Moscow issued a safety alert on March 7, warning that its workers have been “monitoring reviews that extremists have imminent plans to focus on massive gatherings in Moscow, to incorporate concert events.” The assertion warned the People that an assault might be made within the subsequent 48 hours.
The warning was associated to Friday's assault, based on individuals briefed on the matter. But it surely was not linked to doable Ukrainian sabotage, US officers stated, including that the State Division had not used the phrase “extremists” to warn of actions ordered by Kiev.
Professional-Kremlin voices instantly seized on the US Embassy's warning to color America as making an attempt to scare the Russians.
US officers are involved that President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia might search to falsely blame Ukraine for the assault, placing strain on Western governments to determine who they suppose could also be accountable. Mr. Putin usually twists occasions, even tragic ones, to suit his public narrative. And he was fast to accuse Ukraine of acts of terrorism to justify his invasion of the nation.
US officers stated Mr Putin might do it once more after Friday's assault, in search of to make use of the lack of life to undermine help for Ukraine at house and world wide.
On March 19, the Russian chief known as the US Embassy's assertion “apparent blackmail” made with “the intention to intimidate and destabilize our society.” However he had but to remark instantly on the assault on Friday.
John Kirby, a spokesman for President Biden's Nationwide Safety Council, instructed reporters on Friday that the White Home had “no indication at the moment that Ukraine or Ukrainians have been concerned.” He added: “We’ll check out it. However I’ll disabuse you at this early hour of any reference to Ukraine.”
“Our ideas will clearly be with the victims of this horrible, horrible taking pictures assault,” he additionally stated.
Russian International Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated, nonetheless, based on Reuters, “On what foundation do Washington officers draw conclusions within the midst of a tragedy about somebody's innocence?” She added that if Washington had data, it ought to be shared.
Mykhailo Podolyak, a prime adviser to Ukraine's presidential workplace, stated in a video assertion that “Ukraine has completely nothing to do” with the assault.
Aishwarya Kavi contributed report.
