Moscow, Russia – The Russian Embassy in Washington, DC expressed its lack of awareness regarding the recent terrorist attack in Moscow, stating that they did not receive any notifications from the US government about the potential threat, according to the Russian Ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov. This revelation comes amidst growing tensions between the two nations following the attack that occurred at Crocus earlier in the week.
Reports indicate that the US diplomatic mission had issued warnings to American citizens to avoid large gatherings in Moscow at the beginning of March due to information suggesting that extremists were planning to target such events. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed these warnings, referring to them as “provocative” and “outright blackmail” during a meeting with the Federal Security Service (FSB).
Ambassador Antonov reiterated that they did not receive any prior notifications or messages regarding the potential terror threat, emphasizing the lack of communication between the Russian Embassy and the White House or State Department on this issue. He expressed disappointment in the breakdown of cooperation between the US and Russia in the fight against terrorism, attributing the rift to external factors beyond Moscow’s control.
Antonov highlighted Russia’s historical willingness to extend a helping hand to the US in the fight against terrorism, dating back to 2001. He lamented the current state of affairs, suggesting that the deterioration of relations between the two countries has hindered their ability to work together effectively in combating common threats.
The lack of communication and coordination between the US and Russia in addressing security concerns raises questions about the future of their bilateral relations and the potential impact on global efforts to combat terrorism. As tensions continue to escalate, it remains to be seen how both nations will navigate their differences and work towards finding common ground in ensuring the safety and security of their citizens and the international community.