Moscow, Russia, has urged the United States to reconsider its assertion that the Islamic State militant group was behind the terrorist attack on the Crocus City concert hall near Moscow. Despite the Islamic State claiming responsibility for the attack, the Kremlin has attempted to link it to Kyiv without providing any evidence.
In a statement published in the Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper, Russia’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, questioned the White House’s certainty about ISIS’s involvement in the attack. Four suspects have pleaded guilty in a Moscow court and Russian President Vladimir Putin, without evidence, suggested that the gunmen had planned to escape to Ukraine, despite IS’s claim of responsibility.
IS released new footage of the attack to support its claim, revealing that the four suspects are from Tajikistan, a region where IS has recruited heavily. Russian state media has largely ignored IS, instead focusing on allegations that Ukraine may have been involved or willing to protect the attackers, claims denied by Kyiv.
Meanwhile, Israel has prevented the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, Unrwa, from delivering aid to northern Gaza, where the risk of famine is most severe. The head of the agency, Philippe Lazzarini, called Israel’s decision “outrageous,” stating that it was blocking essential assistance during a man-made famine.
Former political allies of Donald Trump, including political consultant Paul Manafort and longtime advisor Roger Stone, appear to be rejoining his inner circle. Manafort is expected to return as a campaign advisor this year, while Corey Lewandowski, Trump’s first campaign manager, may also make a comeback for the Republican national convention in July.
In other news, investigations are underway in South Sudan to understand the cause of nodding syndrome, a disorder affecting growth, brain function, and triggering seizures. Research has shown a link between the syndrome, black-fly bites, and an infection called onchocerciasis. Education officers are working to support children with the disorder, who sometimes face stigma, in staying in school.
Lastly, the UK government has accused Beijing of a cyber-attack in 2021 that accessed the personal information of about 40 million UK voters. MPs and peers were also targeted in a separate attack, with new UK sanctions expected.