Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned the recent assault on a concert hall in Moscow as a "barbaric terrorist act" and pledged stern repercussions for those responsible, vowing to pursue them relentlessly.
Addressing the nation in a televised statement, Putin expressed outrage over the incident, which claimed the lives of over 100 innocent civilians. He emphasized the severity of the attack and assured the public that all four assailants had been apprehended before they could flee across the border into Ukraine.
"In connection with the bloody, barbaric terrorist act, the victims of which were dozens of innocent, peaceful people, I am speaking to you today," Putin stated, marking his first public response to the tragedy.
Providing details of the apprehension, Putin confirmed, "All four perpetrators of the terrorist attack who shot and killed people have been detained. They were traveling towards Ukraine where, according to preliminary information, they had a window to cross the border."
The Russian leader's remarks come in the wake of a devastating assault at the Crocus City Hall in a Moscow suburb, resulting in the deaths of at least 115 individuals. The concert hall was engulfed in flames during the attack, though authorities have not attributed the incident to any specific group.
While the Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the assault, Russian officials have not confirmed this assertion. Nevertheless, Putin issued a stern warning to those involved, declaring a day of national mourning and promising severe consequences for the perpetrators.
"Terrorists, murderers, non-humans will face the unenviable fate of retribution and oblivion," Putin declared, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the determination of the Russian government to ensure justice for the victims and their families.