Vice President Kamala Harris rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin’s claim that Ukraine was involved in Friday’s deadly attack in Moscow.
ABC News Senior Congressional Correspondent Rachel Scott asked Harris in an interview on Saturday if the U.S. had evidence to back Putin’s accusation.
“No,” the vice president said. “And first, let me start by saying what has happened in an act of terrorism and the number of people who’ve been killed is obviously a tragedy and we should all send our condolences to those families.”
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris talks to the media as she meets with families who lost loved ones in the 2018 school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, U.S. March 23, 2024. REUTERS/Marco Bello
Marco Bello/Reuters
“No, there is no, whatsoever, any evidence and, in fact, what we know to be the case is that ISIS-K is actually, by all accounts, responsible for what happened,” the vice president added.
ISIS claimed responsibility for the deadly attack that took place at Moscow Crocus City Hall, leaving at least 133 people dead, according to Russian investigators. Local officials say 121 people remain hospitalized.
Smoke rises above the Crocus City Hall concert venue following a reported shooting incident, on the outskirts of Moscow, March 22, 2024.
Stringer/Reuters
Putin on Saturday vowed “retribution” for those responsible for the terror attack. He said Ukraine bore some responsibility for the attack.
Scott’s one-on-one interview with Harris will air Sunday morning on ABC News’ “This Week.”
In a recent statement, Vice President Kamala Harris refuted Russian President Vladimir Putin’s assertion that Ukraine was connected to a fatal terror incident in Moscow. The incident, which occurred last week, left several people dead and many more injured.
Putin had claimed that the attackers responsible for the terror incident had ties to Ukraine, and used this as justification for Russia’s ongoing military aggression in the region. However, Harris quickly dismissed these claims as baseless and inflammatory.
In a press conference, Harris stated that there was no evidence to support Putin’s claims and that it was irresponsible for him to make such accusations without any proof. She emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the incident to determine the true motives behind the attack.
The Vice President also reiterated the United States’ support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and condemned Russia’s continued aggression in the region. She called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and urged both sides to engage in diplomatic dialogue to de-escalate tensions.
Harris’ strong response to Putin’s claims highlights the growing tensions between Russia and the West, particularly in light of Russia’s recent military buildup along the Ukrainian border. The United States and its allies have been closely monitoring the situation and have expressed concerns about the potential for further conflict.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is crucial for all parties involved to exercise restraint and work towards a peaceful resolution. Harris’ refutation of Putin’s claims serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information before jumping to conclusions, especially when it comes to matters of national security and international relations.
