US warned of possible attack in Moscow before concert hall shooting

The US Embassy in Moscow has one security alarm on March 7 warned that staff were “monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, including concerts.” The statement warned Americans that an attack could occur within the next 48 hours.

According to people briefed on the matter, the warning was in reference to Friday’s attack. But it was not related to possible Ukrainian sabotage, U.S. officials said, adding that the State Department would not have used the word “extremists” to warn about actions ordered by Kiev.

Pro-Kremlin voices immediately seized on the US embassy’s warning to portray America as trying to scare the Russians.

U.S. officials are concerned that President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia could try to falsely blame Ukraine for the attack, putting pressure on Western governments to identify who they think is responsible. Mr. Putin regularly twists events, even tragic ones, to fit his public narrative. And he has been quick to accuse Ukraine of acts of terror to justify his invasion of the country.

U.S. officials said Putin could do that again after Friday’s attack, seeking to use the loss of life to undermine support for Ukraine both at home and around the world.

On March 19, the Russian leader called the US embassy statement “clear blackmail,” done with “the intention to intimidate and destabilize our society.” But he had no direct comment on Friday’s attack.

John Kirby, a spokesman for President Biden’s National Security Council, told reporters Friday that the White House had “no indication at this time that Ukraine or Ukrainians were involved.” He added: “We are looking at it. But I would like to deprive you of any connection with Ukraine at this early hour.”

“Our thoughts obviously go out to the victims of this terrible shooting,” he also said.

However, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, according to Reuters: “On what basis do officials in Washington draw conclusions about someone’s innocence in the midst of a tragedy?” She added that if Washington had information, it should be shared.

Mykhailo Podolyak, a top adviser to the Ukrainian presidential office, said in a video statement that “Ukraine had absolutely nothing to do” with the attack.

Aishvarya Kavi reporting contributed.