Russia says Ukraine's security service should be declared 'terrorist organization'

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - The head of Russia's Federal Security Service said on Tuesday that Ukraine's Security Service should be declared a "terrorist organization."

"We need to do this, of course, yes. I believe that this is the basis. Not only to count, but also to make appropriate decisions," Alexander Bortnikov told reporters following an expanded meeting of the board of the prosecutor general's office in Moscow.

Bortnikov said the leadership of Ukraine's special services, including Kyrylo Budanov, the head of defense intelligence, are "legitimate target" of Russia.

He also accused the US, UK and Ukraine of being behind the Friday attack on the Crocus City Hall in the Moscow region that killed 139 people.

Nikolai Patrushev, the head of Russia's Security Council, said after the meeting that law enforcement agencies have evidence of Ukraine's involvement in the concert hall attack.

President Vladimir Putin has said the shooting was carried out by radicals, but more specific and professional questions such as who ordered it have to be answered.