Berlin, 27 March 2024 (dpa/MIA) - The Ukrainian ambassador to Germany on Wednesday called Russian allegations that his country was involved in the attack near Moscow that left at least 139 people dead "absurd."

"Yes, I rule that out," Oleksii Makeiev said on Deutschlandfunk public radio on Wednesday morning, adding that these were "absurd accusations."

Russia is trying to accuse Ukraine of terrorism in order to divert attention from its own terror, he said.

At least 139 people were killed and almost 200 injured in Friday's attack when four gunmen fired at the Crocus City Hall music venue.

Islamic State has already claimed responsibility for the attack in Moscow on several occasions.

Western security authorities and experts also consider this to be credible and suspect the offshoot Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) to be behind it.

Russian spokespeople have talked about Islamist terrorists. However, they insinuate that they could have acted on behalf of Ukraine or its Western supporters.

Ukraine has been engaged in a defensive war against Russia for over two years.

In the interview Makeiev also opposed statements by Social Democrat (SPD) parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich about "freezing" the war. The ambassador referred to the many rounds of negotiations with Russia since 2014, in which Germany was also involved. "This freeze has only led to a huge war raging in Europe today," said Makeiev.

He said he spoke to Mützenich, SPD leader Lars Klingbeil and SPD General Secretary Kevin Kühnert behind closed doors last week and was assured that the SPD would not change anything regarding Germany's support for Ukraine.

Makeiev also urged the rapid delivery of weapons and ammunition.

"We don't need this tomorrow, not the day after tomorrow, but today," emphasized the ambassador.

Ukraine must accept SPD Chancellor Olaf Scholz's no to the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles, even if it does not agree with it, he said. Scholz has justified his no vote by stating that he believes that Germany should not relinquish control of the Taurus missiles, as they can be used to hit targets in Russia.

Makeiev said that there was no reason to mistrust his country. Ukraine had always kept its promises regarding the handling of supplied weapons. At the same time, he emphasized the Ukrainian army's ability to handle complex weapons systems.

Photo: X screenshot