In a resolute call to action, President Vladimir Putin implored the global community to stand in solidarity with Russia following the tragic assault that claimed the lives of 143 individuals and left numerous others wounded within a concert hall near Moscow.
Addressing the nation via televised broadcast, the 71-year-old leader asserted that the four assailants directly responsible for the attack were intercepted while en route to the country's border with Ukraine.
"We are actively pursuing the investigation into this act of terrorism, and our efforts have yielded initial results. All four individuals directly involved in perpetrating this violence have been identified and apprehended," declared the President.
"The perpetrators attempted to flee... their trajectory was toward the Ukrainian border, and our intelligence indicates they were on the verge of crossing into Ukrainian territory. Our investigative teams are diligently working to uncover those who orchestrated this assault," he elaborated.
As of now, Russian authorities have detained 11 suspects, including the four gunmen who carried out the reprehensible act.
The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that its militants targeted "a significant gathering" on the outskirts of Moscow before safely retreating to their bases.
"We understand the gravity of the terror threat; this is an assault on Russia, and we anticipate the cooperation of other nations that share in our grief," asserted Putin.
"We will stand in unity against this common adversary, regardless of where it emerges. These terrorists recognize no allegiance, and there is but one fate awaiting them—justice," declared Putin, who recently secured reelection as Russian President.
"Our collective obligation now is to stand as one, resolute and unified... and I firmly believe that together, our strength remains indomitable. Throughout our history, Russia has confronted numerous challenges, emerging stronger each time," he affirmed.
Prior to Putin's address, the Federal Security Service (FSB) disclosed that the attackers had been heading towards the border post-assault.
"The intention of the perpetrators following the terrorist act was to traverse the Russian-Ukrainian border, and they had established contacts on the Ukrainian side," stated the FSB.
Kyiv, reportedly disavowing any involvement, denounced the attack as a Russian "provocation," alleging the complicity of Moscow's intelligence services.
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