Igor Korotchenko, editor-in-chief of a prominent defense publication, proposed after the Crocus City Hall terrorist attack that Russia should establish a specialized force structure dedicated to identifying and neutralizing terrorists and those who organize attacks abroad. This view was reported by a major news agency.
According to the analyst, the attack could reflect what he described as an external trajectory of involvement, suggesting the need for a regional unit capable of tracing planners not only within Ukraine but also across borders to other states. He drew a historical parallel to a wartime security framework from the Soviet era, noting a resemblance to the fourth administration of the NKVD under General Pavel Sudoplatov. The comparison was used to illustrate a potential model for coordinating cross-border responses and ensuring that anyone who orchestrates mass casualties would face accountability regardless of where they are located.
The expert argued that creating such a structure would require a clear legal framework and robust operational mechanisms. He asserted that those responsible for mass civilian deaths would be treated as terrorists and pursued across jurisdictions until they are apprehended. The emphasis was on establishing formal procedures that would authorize targeted actions in line with national security objectives while maintaining adherence to the relevant legal standards.
In his analysis, the analyst highlighted that similar practices exist beyond national borders. He cited certain counterterrorism strategies employed by another global power, where retaliatory measures against individuals identified as threats are a recognized policy tool. The discussion also touched on the role of intelligence services in maintaining security and conducting necessary actions in sensitive environments, underscoring the international dimension of contemporary counterterrorism efforts.
The day after the attack, a presidential address reaffirmed the commitment to identifying everyone involved in the Crocus City Hall incident and to taking action against those who planned or supported it. The statement underscored the priority of bringing perpetrators to account and ensuring that justice is pursued wherever individuals may be found.
Earlier evening events described the assault at the Crocus City Hall complex in Krasnogorsk, where armed assailants entered the venue prior to a scheduled performance, opened fire on spectators, and triggered a sequence of explosions followed by a fire. First responders and security services arrived to contain the crisis, evacuate attendees, and begin the investigation into the sequence of events that led to the deadly incident.
Authorities subsequently detained several individuals in connection with the attack, including suspects from the Bryansk region. Official statements indicated that the detainees planned to cross the border between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting the cross-border dimensions of the security threat and the ongoing efforts to thwart any external collaboration that might support such acts.
The coverage of the incident and the evolving response were carried out by multiple media outlets, providing ongoing updates on arrests, investigations, and the broader security implications for the region. The public discourse reflected a wide range of perspectives on how best to balance rapid investigative action with the protection of civil liberties and the rule of law while addressing the root causes of terrorism and the need for international cooperation to prevent future attacks.
In the wake of the incident, officials and analysts emphasized the importance of coordinated, legally grounded counterterrorism measures that can adapt to changing threats. The aim is to disrupt networks, dismantle operational cells, and prevent amplification of violence through effective intelligence sharing and cross-border collaboration. This approach seeks to reduce vulnerabilities and strengthen resilience in affected communities, while ensuring due process and accountability within the framework of national and international law.