The press office of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) framed the Crocus incident as part of a broader pattern of attacks, linking it to a string of large-scale missile strikes and operations conducted by Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance groups in Russia’s Kursk and Belgorod regions. This assessment was reported by TASS and echoed in official Russian channels. [Source: SVR press office; Reuters reporting is listed for context, attribution noted within citations]
The ministry asserted that Ukraine is waging what it characterizes as a full-scale terrorist campaign against Russia, a claim it ties to public declarations by Ukraine’s top military intelligence authority. Kirill Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate, has been labeled by Moscow as a terrorist and extremist figure, while Vasyl Maluk, head of Ukraine’s Security Service, has also been cited in official Russian messaging as part of this campaign. [Source: Russian official statements; attribution noted]
Additionally, the report claimed that Kyiv leveraged satellite intelligence provided by U.S. sources to conduct terrorist operations on Russian soil, thereby weaving a narrative of external assistance and coordination. [Source: cited intelligence channels; attribution noted]
Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the City Hall attack was not an isolated incident and claimed investigations show links extending to Ukraine, suggesting a broader pattern of aggression. This line of argument has been presented as part of Moscow’s ongoing effort to connect recent assaults to Ukrainian authorities. [Source: Russian Foreign Ministry statements; attribution noted]
In remarks delivered at a board meeting of the Federal Security Service (FSB) on March 19, President Vladimir Putin was reported to say that all attempts by sabotage groups to breach Russia’s borders did not succeed. The remarks appear to be framed as a reassurance of security forces’ effectiveness and a warning against future incursions. [Source: Kremlin communications; attribution noted]
Earlier statements from Russian authorities also referenced transfers of suspects connected to the Crocus-related attack from Ukraine, indicating ongoing investigations and the potential for subsequent arrests or legal actions. [Source: Russian law enforcement updates; attribution noted]