Russian President Vladimir Putin addresses nation after Moscow terrorist attack

Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the Russian public after the deadly terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall concert venue outside of Moscow. His video message was broadcast on Russian state television 19 hours after the attack.

The Russian president described the events as “a barbaric and bloody act of terrorism” and expressed gratitude to the medical and emergency workers at the scene. Putin promised that all those involved in the terrorist attack would be brought to justice.

“The criminals cold-bloodedly and deliberately set out to kill, to shoot our citizens, our children at point-blank range,” said Putin. “Just like the Nazis once carried out atrocities in the occupied territories, they planned to stage a public execution, a bloody act of intimidation.”

Putin stated that all four perpetrators of the terrorist attack have been identified and apprehended. According to the Russian president, the suspects attempted to flee and were heading towards Ukraine. He accused Ukraine of aiding the terrorists and “preparing an opening” for the suspects to cross the border.

Putin added that Russia “will identify and punish everyone who is behind the terrorists.”