Checks Are Not Directed Against Any Specific Ethnic Group: Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in a phone conversation with Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojidin Mukhriddin, clarified the thorough checks of foreigners arriving in Russia against the backdrop of the tragedy at Crocus City Hall, stating that these are temporary measures not directed against representatives of any specific nation or religious group. The information was reported by the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Earlier, the Tajik Foreign Ministry had communicated to Russian Ambassador to Dushanbe, Semyon Grigoriev, that the Republic is concerned about the issues faced by its citizens while crossing the Russian border in recent weeks. In response, Maria Zakharova, a representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, noted that the difficulties experienced by foreign citizens crossing the land border between Russia and Kazakhstan are connected to increased security measures due to the ongoing terrorist threat. The terrorist threat arose after the attack at Crocus City Hall.

"Additional clarifications were provided to the Tajik side in accordance with Russian legislation regarding the measures being taken by Russian services to prevent terrorism. The tragic events that occurred at Crocus City Hall were the main reason for more thorough checks of foreign citizens arriving in our country. It was specifically emphasized that the measures taken are temporary and not directed against any specific nation or religion, as well as the gradual regulation of the situation at checkpoints," the statement on the Russian Foreign Ministry's website noted.

It was mentioned that the participants of the conversation exchanged views on issues of bilateral cooperation between Russia and Tajikistan. Both sides agreed on the importance of maintaining and strengthening the positive dynamics of the Russian-Tajik strategic partnership and allied relations, which have been tested over time.

The information department of the Tajik Foreign Ministry later reported on the ministers' phone call, during which they discussed the difficult situation faced by Tajik citizens in Russian territory. In the context of remarks regarding the measures being taken in Russia not being directed against any specific nation or religion, it was noted that this thesis is incompatible with reality and that negative actions are applied exclusively to Tajik citizens.

It is reminded that on March 22, there was a shooting before a concert at Crocus City Hall in the Moscow region, followed by a fire. The number of injured reached 360 (including 11 children), with 145 casualties.