Russian strikes on Kiev and the Lviv region… and Ukraine bombs Sevastopol in Crimea

Since dawn on Saturday, dozens of Russians have flocked to blood donation centers in Moscow or to temporary memorials, and they are still in a state of “shock” after an armed attack on a concert hall that killed at least 133 people.

Under a gray sky and despite the rain, about 150 people wishing to donate waited their turn on a street in front of a specialized center in northwest Moscow. They came to express their solidarity, and to respond to the authorities’ call, despite their determination that they do not currently lack blood.

Alexandra, 35, who specializes in air logistics, said, “I came to help,” and she saw this as “the duty of every citizen,” according to what was reported by Agence France-Presse.

The woman lives close to the Crocus City Hall concert hall located in the suburb of the capital, which was subjected to an attack by gunmen on Friday evening, for which the extremist ISIS organization claimed responsibility.

“When you can see from your balcony” atrocities being reported on television, she said, “you understand that they are real, and for me personally it is a nightmare.”

The Russian authorities announced (Saturday) the arrest of the four perpetrators of the attack, who fired machine guns before setting fire to the building with a flammable liquid.

I want to help

“When we see this situation, we cannot stay away, we want to help,” Vladislav, an 18-year-old student waiting in line to donate blood, told Agence France-Presse.

Russian medical authorities announced on Saturday afternoon that they had “sufficient blood” for hundreds of people injured in the attack.

The Russian TASS news agency quoted an official at the Russian Federal Biomedical Agency, Olga Ikhler, as saying: “But we continue to receive all donors.” “We are responsive to the desire of people coming” to help build reserves.

Posters were placed on many billboards and in some bus stations in Moscow, showing a candle on a black background and the phrase “We are in mourning 03-22-2024.”

Ross also went to the Crocus City Hall site to place flowers, and its surface appeared black after the fire partially destroyed it (Friday).

Police and special forces deployed at the scene, and hundreds of rescue workers continued to remove the rubble.

Maxime (37 years old), an employee of the ruling party, said: “Yesterday was a great tragedy for all of us. “We cannot remain indifferent, as a large number of us had friends and relatives there yesterday.” He confirmed that his friends were alive, but “they lived through real hell.”

Ekaterina (48 years old) said: “The whole country is worried. For my part, it was impossible for me to stay at home today.”

fear

In Saint Petersburg, Russia’s second city, residents placed bouquets of flowers in several locations in the city and formed a queue in front of the main temporary memorial outside the Russian National Library.

The city of St. Petersburg was subjected to a subway bombing in 2017, leaving 14 dead and 53 injured.

In the large city of Yekaterinburg in the Ural Mountains, a temporary memorial was formed in the central square near a monument to Lenin. An Agence France-Presse correspondent reported that residents brought flowers, toys, and candles, and many of them remained silent, and some cried.

In the Russian-occupied city of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, a stronghold of Moscow supporters, residents placed roses and dolls in front of a giant red banner reading “Russia.”

In the capital, Red Square was cordoned off, and tourists from other Russian regions did not hide their fears as they walked near it.

Lyubov (43 years old), an employee who came with her family from the Pskov region (northwest), said: “We only have three days” to spend in Moscow, stressing that she wants to see “at least from afar the heart of the country,” despite “there being no reason for joy.” ». She confirmed: “I am afraid for my life and my family.”

Olga (38 years old) from Chelyabinsk (Urals) said, “All of this was unexpected (…) It is a terrible tragedy.” She added: “Of course I don’t feel completely safe.” “I am afraid, very afraid.”