Russia dismissed Switzerland’s efforts to lead peace talks in Ukraine, as Moscow believes it is essential for its participation for the talks to succeed. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has made significant changes in key positions, such as dismissing the head of the security council. Russian intelligence chief claims that the U.S., U.K., and Ukraine were involved in a recent terrorist attack in Moscow, which other countries have denied. Russian Defense Ministry deemed the idea of a further mobilization to protect Russian territory from a Ukrainian invasion as ‘nonsense.’ One of the most influential figures in Putin’s inner circle has blamed Ukraine for the attack without presenting any evidence.
The Kremlin has refused to comment on the alleged connection between Ukraine and the Moscow attackers, despite Russian officials insisting on Ukraine’s involvement. The FSB claimed to have prevented a terrorist attack in southwestern Russia reportedly planned by an accomplice of an anti-Kremlin Russian rebel group. Russian investigators have been questioning the families of shooting suspects in Tajikistan, believed to have carried out the attack on a Moscow concert hall. Ukraine has claimed to have successfully hit a warship captured by Russia back in 2014, as ongoing tensions persist between the two countries.
Putin accepted that ‘radical Islamists’ carried out the terror attack in Moscow but insisted on a link to Ukraine, although no evidence has been presented. The White House dismissed Russian claims of a Ukraine link to the attack as “Kremlin propaganda.” Ukraine’s Security Service head stated that more ‘special operations’ will be carried out this year to inflict damage on Russian military assets and infrastructure. The parents of a detained Wall Street Journal reporter expressed optimism over talks for his release after nearly a year in Russian captivity. Court appearances have been made by suspects involved in the Moscow attack, who were charged with committing an act of terrorism, as the investigation continues. Putin’s next actions following the attack are being closely watched, as he is likely to use the tragedy to boost domestic support for the war in Ukraine.
