Russia announces evidence linking attack to Ukraine

Russian investigators announced on Thursday that they had evidence linking the gunmen responsible for the concert massacre to “Ukrainian nationalists.” Experts believe that Russia is seeking to capitalize on the solidarity that has strengthened in the wake of the terrorist attack to accelerate progress on the battlefield, and increase leverage for future negotiations.

The Russian Investigative Committee said it had confirmed data showing that the terrorists received “significant amounts of money and cryptocurrency from Ukraine,” which were used in the preparation of the crime, TASS reported.

Prior to the new findings, Kiev has denied any connection with the attack, and the militant group Islamic State has claimed responsibility.

Experts said Moscow is focusing on how to respond to the tragedy in order to capitalize on this fleeting opportunity to serve its agenda. And for them, solving the conflict with Ukraine is priority.

“Presenting convincing evidence or not is unimportant for Russia, as it aims to make the most of people’s unity and cohesion to intensify pressure on Ukraine, and hasten the pace on the battleground,” Cui Heng, a scholar from the Shanghai-based China National Institute for SCO International Exchange and Judicial Cooperation, told the Global Times on Friday.

This comes against a backdrop of Ukraine currently being in a weakened state, with military aid from the West not fully in place, and combat capabilities severely depleted, Cui said.

“This timing presents an opportunity to expand gains for Moscow. Moreover, with the upcoming US elections, acquiring more leverage is crucial for negotiations if Trump takes office and mediates the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as having more bargaining chips will increase negotiating space,” the expert noted.