President Putin: Russia is interested in the 'order taker' for IS gunman in terrorist attack

"We know that the crimes were committed by radical Islamists, the ideology that the Islamic world has been fighting for centuries. However, what interests us most is who the customers of these gunmen are," said President Vladimir Putin.

According to President Putin, the US is currently trying, through various channels, to convince public opinion that Ukraine is not involved in this terrorist attack, and that IS must be held responsible.

President Putin said that many questions needed to be answered, especially whether Islamist militants really decided to attack Russia, despite the fact that Moscow supports a fair solution to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

"The terrible crime that took place on March 22 in the Russian capital was an act of intimidation. And the question immediately arises: Who benefits from this? This atrocity can only be a link in a series of efforts by those who, since 2014, have been fighting our country at the hands of the neo-fascist Kiev regime," Putin said.

The Russian leader added that the purpose of such actions is to sow panic in society. President Putin noted that Kiev supporters do not want to become accomplices of terrorists, but there are still too many questions. In particular, it is necessary to find out why the gunmen tried to flee to Ukraine after the Crocus attack and who was waiting for them there.

President Putin also expressed condolences to the families and friends of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery. He thanked all those who helped the victims. President Putin stressed that the Russian people are an example of solidarity, unity and mutual support.

“Those who planned this terrorist attack hoped to sow panic and discord in our society, but they were met with unity and determination to fight evil,” President Putin said.

President Putin stressed that the investigation must be conducted objectively and impartially.