Embassy received no US warnings on terrorist attack in Moscow: Antonov
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The Russian Ambassador to the United States underscores the severity of terrorism as a threat and emphasizes its crucial role in shaping Russian-American relations.
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Russia's ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov, speaks at a news conference in 2021 (AFP)
The US government did not reach out to the Russian embassy following the terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall concert venue near Moscow, Anatoly Antonov, the Russian Ambassador to the United States, said as quoted by Sputnik.
The Ambassador emphasized that terrorism is the gravest threat and highlighted the paramount importance of anti-terrorism efforts in the comprehensive spectrum of Russian-American relations. Additionally, Antonov pointed out that despite the US embassy in Moscow issuing warnings to its citizens about potential extremist activities targeting large gatherings in Moscow, including concerts, the Russian embassy in Washington did not receive any such notifications regarding this matter.
"I did not have any contacts with either the White House or the State Department on this issue," Antonov stressed.
Responding to recent statements from the US suggesting the involvement of ISIS, a terrorist organization banned in Russia, in the terrorist attack, the Ambassador affirmed that Russian authorities are urging against hasty conclusions, emphasizing that investigative efforts by Russian special services are underway to identify those accountable for the attack.
On Saturday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre conveyed condolences and denounced the terrorist attack, affirming that ISIS represents a shared adversary that requires defeat.
However, Antonov insisted that "Russian competent authorities will figure out who organized this terrorist act. I think there is no need to rush to conclusions today ... this kind of work requires silence."
Elsewhere in his remarks, the Russian diplomat divulged that communication between the United States and Russia in combating terrorism has been "destroyed" with Moscow not being at fault for this outcome.
"I always reminded the Americans that our president was the first who extended his hand to the Americans in 2001 and declared his readiness to provide help. And something worked ... and it’s not our fault that all of this has been destroyed today," he stressed.
Putin vows punishment over Moscow concert massacre
The Russian authorities have arrested 11 individuals in connection to the Crocus City Hall concert massacre that took place on Friday, including the four suspected gunmen allegedly responsible for the massacre.
Russian President Vladimir Putin made a televised address in which he assured the nation that those behind the attack would face justice.
The death toll from the massacre has officially been confirmed at 133 by Russia's state Investigative Committee.
Crocus City Hall in Moscow fell victim to a horrifying shooting and fire, resulting in numerous casualties and injuries, Russian authorities confirmed on Friday.
The incident has sparked global condemnation, with officials terming it a "bloody terrorist attack."
Gunshots were heard in the concert hall shortly before flames engulfed it. The Federal Security Service (FSB) reported fatalities and injuries in the wake of the assault.
The gunmen were apprehended while attempting to flee toward the Ukraine border.
Read more: Further condemnations against attack in Moscow include UN, Hamas
