Russian investigators say they allegedly found pro-Ukrainian data on the phone of one of the suspects in the attack on the Crocus store near Moscow. The Kremlin intends to blame Kyiv for the shooting, despite ISIS' statement claiming responsibility for the attack, The Guardian writes, UNN reports.
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Russian investigators said on Friday that the phone of one of the attackers who opened fire at the concert hall allegedly contained "pro-Ukrainian materials." Data from the phone allegedly shows that one of the suspects was looking for photos of the Crocus City Hall and sending them to others.
Russian investigators said in a statement that the suspect "confirmed all this in his testimony." However, human rights experts have warned that any statements or confessions made by the suspects should be treated with skepticism, given that, judging by the videos and photos of their interrogations that have been circulated, these people have been tortured on multiple occasions.
Russia's Investigative Committee also stated that it had found photos on the same phone of people in camouflage allegedly holding a Ukrainian flag against the backdrop of destroyed buildings.
"These data may indicate a link between the attack" and the war in Ukraine, the report said.
Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reportedthat after the attack on Crocus City Hall, the Russian authorities would increase rhetoric about alleged Western and Ukrainian threats to gain more domestic support for the war in Ukraine.
The head of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov , statedthat Russia knew in advance about the preparation of a terrorist operation on its territory.