In a surprising turn of events, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has contradicted the claims made by Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the recent brutal attack at a concert hall in Moscow. Putin had suggested, without evidence, that Ukraine was involved in orchestrating the attack, which ISIS claimed responsibility for. However, Lukashenko's statements cast doubt on this narrative, revealing that the attackers had initially intended to enter Belarus before turning towards Ukraine.

According to Lukashenko, the attackers were unable to enter Belarus due to reinforced security measures implemented by the country immediately after the attack began. The president further noted that the attackers took a turn towards the Ukraine-Russia border instead. Lukashenko's assertions came after he received reports from Russian authorities shortly after the concert hall attack and promptly put Belarusian units on combat alert, setting up road checkpoints to prevent the attackers from entering the country.

The attack occurred at Crocus City Hall, a Moscow suburb concert venue, where the assailants opened fire on civilians and set the building ablaze. Tragically, at least 139 people lost their lives in the massacre, while concert-goers were still trapped inside the burning structure.

Four suspects, all hailing from the Central Asian republic of Tajikistan and working in Russia on temporary or expired visas, were detained in Russia's Bryansk region, near the border with Ukraine and Belarus. These individuals are believed to be responsible for the attack. Russian President Putin alleged that the attackers attempted to flee towards Ukraine, insinuating the existence of a "window" prepared for their escape. However, Lukashenko's statement contradicts this assertion, implying that the attackers never intended to enter Ukraine but rather Belarus.

Putin, in his first national address following the attack, labeled the perpetrators as "radical Islamists." Yet, he continued to try to shift the blame onto Ukraine despite acknowledging the involvement of extremist groups. Other Kremlin officials, including Alexander Bortnikov, director of Russia's Federal Security Services, have also reiterated these accusations, suggesting that Ukraine played a role in training militants in the Middle East.

Ukraine vehemently denies any involvement in the concert hall attack and calls the Kremlin's claims "absurd." Moreover, questions have been raised as to why the attackers would choose to flee through a heavily militarized section of the border, given the significant presence of Russian troops.

Lukashenko's unexpected remarks, aimed at promoting Belarus as a reliable ally of Russia, inadvertently weaken Putin's allegations against Ukraine. The president stated that he agreed to seal off roads into Belarus after receiving intelligence from Russian officials, emphasizing his commitment to assisting in the situation. Lukashenko revealed that he and Putin worked tirelessly to address the threat, noting that they did not sleep for 24 hours.

A total of 11 individuals have been arrested in connection with the concert hall attack. Four suspects appeared in a Moscow court on Sunday, followed by three others on Monday. The remaining four individuals' current detainment status and whether they have appeared before a judge remains unclear.

Disturbing videos circulating on Russian social media depict some of the suspects being subjected to violent interrogations, including electrocutions and mutilation. The suspects appeared battered and bruised as they were brought into the courtroom. Terrorism charges have been filed against them, with a potential maximum sentence of life in prison.

As investigations into the attack continue, Lukashenko's statements highlight the complexity surrounding the events and contribute to the skepticism surrounding Putin's claims against Ukraine. The international community watches closely as the truth behind this horrifying act of violence slowly unravels.