Russian FSB director claims proof that Ukrainian military intelligence is ‘directly related’ to Moscow concert hall terrorist attack

Federal Security Service Director Alexander Bortnikov claimed during a visit to Bishkek on Friday that his agency has proof that “Ukraine’s military intelligence is directly related” to the Moscow concert hall terrorist attack on March 22. 

Bortnikov told a meeting of the Council of Heads of Security Agencies and Special Services of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) that FSB investigators have established that attack plans, financing, and escape logistics were coordinated online by members of the Islamic State – Khorasan Province terrorist group. Bortnikov added that the FSB believes one of the terrorists’ goals was to damage Moscow’s relationship with other CIS members “by using religious and ethnic factors.” The FSB director said his agency is coordinating its work with counterparts in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Within days of the terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall music venue on March 22, 2024, Russian senior officials began asserting — without evidence — that the perpetrators acted on orders from the Ukrainian government. Police have arrested more than 20 suspects in their investigation, including the four Tajikistani nationals who apparently carried out the attack. Videos have circulated online showing federal agents torturing the men after their capture. A nationwide crackdown on Central Asian migrants has followed in the terrorist attack’s wake.