Maria Zakharova, the official spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, spoke on a national channel about the UN’s reaction to the tragedy at Crocus City Hall. She characterized the UN Secretariat’s response as raising important questions and emphasized a broader need for accountability from the international community in the face of such violence.
According to the spokesperson, the UN Secretary General and member states should acknowledge the brutal reality of the incident, condemn the attack without conditions, and stand with those affected. She stressed that Russia would not seek understanding from the world without a clear and unequivocal condemnation of the violence.
The events at Crocus City Hall occurred on the evening of March 22, prior to a performance by the Picnic group. A shooting was followed by an explosion inside the concert hall in Moscow, leading to a substantial loss of life and numerous injuries, with preliminary figures from security services indicating many casualties and the building engulfed in flames. An operational task force was established in Krasnogorsk to coordinate rescue efforts and ensure public safety as more details emerged about the attack.
In official statements, the Kremlin confirmed that from the outset the incident was being treated as a violent attack. The president was informed early on about the shooting and the ensuing chaos at the venue, underscoring the urgency with which authorities approached the crisis and the commitment to rapid response and investigation.
Witness accounts described the atmosphere of panic as the threat unfolded, with concertgoers seeking shelter and authorities moving quickly to secure the area and assist those affected. The incident prompted a nationwide conversation about security at large public events, the readiness of emergency services, and the resilience of communities facing sudden, violent acts. Authorities pledged to continue sharing verified information as the situation developed and investigations proceeded to establish a full account of what occurred, including the motivations behind the attack and its broader implications for public safety in major urban centers.
Analysts noted the importance of international perspectives in such moments of crisis, reminding audiences that terrorism poses a global challenge requiring coordinated and transparent responses from governments, international organizations, and civil society. Civil authorities urged calm and urged the public to rely on official updates from trusted sources while avoiding unverified rumors that can spread misinformation during emergencies. The focus remained on aiding victims, supporting rescue services, and maintaining public order while investigations continued across the affected region. The incident also sparked dialogue about the measures needed to protect cultural venues, transport hubs, and other places where large crowds gather, without compromising civil liberties or freedom of assembly.
As the investigation unfolds, officials emphasized that the priority is to provide accurate casualty figures, determine the sequence of events, and identify any external networks involved. The broader conversation touched on the responsibilities of international bodies to respond decisively to acts of terrorism, while reaffirming the commitment of national authorities to pursue justice for those affected and to bolster safeguards for public safety in the capital and across the country. The community awaits further official briefings and continues to honor those who were harmed by this appalling attack, while extending support to families and frontline responders who faced the unimaginable in the moment of crisis.