It's important to note that many reports from Russian media or government officials are elements of propaganda, forming part of the information war led by the Russian Federation.
In the Crocus City Hall, located in the suburb of Krasnogorsk near Moscow, a terrorist attack resulted in the tragic loss of at least 144 lives, with 551 individuals injured. The Islamic State of Khorasan Province claimed responsibility for the attack, the Afghan branch of the terrorist organization Islamic State. Russian authorities have arrested four individuals from Tajikistan accused of carrying out the attack, along with several alleged accomplices.
Despite the Islamic State claiming responsibility, Russian authorities immediately pointed fingers at Ukraine. A statement released by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday suggested that the "traces of these crimes lead to Ukraine," according to investigations by Russian authorities.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also attributed other terrorist attacks to Ukraine, including incidents involving explosives that resulted in the deaths of Darya Dugina and Vladen Tatarski, as well as explosions on the Crimea Bridge and in a cafe in Petersburg. Ukraine is also blamed for the actions of the Russian Volunteer Corps.
Continuing with their demands, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for the "immediate arrests and extradition" of everyone involved in these alleged terrorist attacks, including Vasyl Hrytsak, the head of the SBU (Security Service of Ukraine).
The demands have been described as crossing the bounds of absurdity, particularly since Russia has been accused of "organizing deadly attacks using missiles and drones" against Ukrainian civilians almost daily for two years.
Ukraine's response to the Russian demands
The Security Service of Ukraine has dismissed the statement of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs as absurd.
Referencing international law and the Convention on the Fight against Terrorism, the SBU highlights the irony in Russia's statement, given that "Putin is officially on the international wanted list," especially for his alleged role in the abduction of Ukrainian children and is expected to stand trial at The Hague Tribunal.
The SBU's response further criticizes the Russian statement as "particularly cynical" coming from a nation associated with terrorism, notably on the anniversary of Bucha's liberation—a city that witnessed atrocities committed by Russian forces.
The SBU concludes that the only statement from the Russian Federation worthy of international attention would be one acknowledging its defeat in the war and announcing the withdrawal of its troops from Ukrainian territory.
Source: SBU, Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 24 Kanal, PAP
