In a shocking turn of events, the director of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), Alexander Bortnikov, has accused the United States, United Kingdom, and Ukraine of being behind the devastating attack on a Moscow concert hall. The attack, which claimed the lives of at least 139 people, has been claimed by an affiliate of the Islamic State (IS) group.

Despite the explicit claims of responsibility by IS, Russian officials have persisted in blaming Ukraine and the West for their alleged involvement in the attack, despite vehement denials from Kyiv. Bortnikov, without presenting any evidence, echoed President Vladimir Putin's allegations and suggested that the Western spy agencies may also have played a role.

Acknowledging that the suspects arrested were "radical Islamists," Bortnikov attempted to connect the attack with Ukraine by claiming that the four gunmen were attempting to flee to the neighboring country when they were apprehended. However, Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko contradicted this assertion, stating that the suspects were heading for Ukraine due to concerns about tighter border controls in Belarus.

While the IS affiliate has taken responsibility for the attack, French President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed that their intelligence points to the involvement of an IS entity as well. This contradicts Putin's insistence on Ukrainian involvement, a claim that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy categorically rejected, accusing the Russian leader of attempting to drum up support amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The attack, described as the deadliest on Russian soil in two decades, has left the nation in shock. Health officials have reported that approximately 90 people remain hospitalized, with 22 in critical condition, including two children.

Russia continues to grapple with the aftermath of this tragic incident as investigations into the attack unfold. The claims made by the FSB raise serious questions about geopolitical tensions, and the international community will be closely watching the development of this story, awaiting further evidence to substantiate these accusations against the US, UK, and Ukraine.