The recent terrorist attack on a Moscow concert hall has sparked a flurry of accusations and denials between Ukraine and Russia, with Ukrainians reacting with a mix of concern and mockery to the Kremlin’s narrative. Despite the Islamic State claiming responsibility for the attack, Russian state media has pushed the theory that Ukraine was behind the incident.
For many Ukrainians, these accusations are seen as part of the Kremlin’s playbook to justify its actions against Ukraine. The false claims made by President Vladimir V. Putin to justify the invasion of Ukraine in the past, including labeling the country as run by neo-Nazis, have only fueled skepticism among Ukrainians.
The situation escalated further when Kyiv was targeted by two ballistic missiles, the third air assault on the Ukrainian capital in five days. The United States confirmed ISIS’s claim of responsibility for the attack, while Mr. Putin acknowledged the involvement of “radical Islamists” but also insinuated Ukrainian involvement, a claim Ukraine vehemently denied.
Ukrainian officials have accused Mr. Putin of spreading disinformation to cover up the failings of his security services, with Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba calling him a “pathological liar.” The ongoing blame game between the two countries has raised concerns about Mr. Putin’s next steps and the possibility of further escalations in the conflict.
As tensions continue to rise, Ukrainians remain wary of Mr. Putin’s motives and the potential for more deadly strikes against their country. The recent missile attacks on Kyiv have left residents in shock, with fears of more violence looming on the horizon. The situation remains tense as both sides trade accusations and the threat of further conflict looms large.
