The US dismisses Putin’s assertion that Western powers orchestrated the anti-Jewish airport riot in Dagestan, while condemning the incident and emphasizing the importance of safeguarding Israeli citizens.
In a perplexing turn of events, Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin, made claims that an anti-Israel riot at Makhachkala airport in Dagestan was a result of orchestrated chaos propagated by Ukraine and Western countries. This incident occurred on a fateful Sunday, where hundreds of protesters stormed the airport as a flight from Tel Aviv, Israel, was about to land. In a disturbing scene, many waved Palestinian flags and chanted antisemitic slogans.
The Origins of the Chaos
Dagestan, a Russian constituent republic, boasts a predominantly Muslim population, and it is believed that the riot was triggered by the prevailing anger over the conflict in Gaza. Security forces intervened to regain control, leading to the subsequent arrest of over 60 individuals as per the local authorities’ account.
Putin’s Accusations
In a televised meeting, President Putin conveyed his belief that the events in Makhachkala were orchestrated through social networks, with the involvement of foreign agents. He suggested that Ukraine played a significant role in fueling the chaos and directly accused Western intelligence services of complicity.
He stated, “Who is organizing the deadly chaos and who benefits from it today, in my opinion, has already become obvious. It is the current ruling elites of the US and their satellites who are the main beneficiaries of world instability.”
The Russian Response
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized how the situation was exacerbated by the juxtaposition of the airport chaos with the harrowing images emerging from the Gaza Strip, where innocent lives were being lost. This, according to Peskov, created an environment where antagonists could exploit the situation.
Claims of Foreign Involvement
The governor of Dagestan, Sergei Melikov, added to the narrative by suggesting that the riots were incited from Ukrainian territory by individuals he labeled as traitors. These provocateurs utilized a Telegram channel named “Morning Dagestan,” which espouses an Islamist ideology opposing Russian authority in the region.
It’s important to note that “Morning Dagestan” has been linked to Ilya Ponomarev, a former Russian MP who defected to Ukraine in 2016 and subsequently obtained Ukrainian citizenship. This channel played a key role in informing its followers about the incoming flight from Tel Aviv, effectively encouraging them to “meet the unexpected visitors.”
Denials and Conflicting Accounts
In response to these allegations, “Morning Dagestan” publicly denied any association with Ilya Ponomarev or Ukraine. However, the veracity of this claim remains in question, especially given Ponomarev’s contradictory statements in recent months.
International Reactions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky unequivocally condemned the riot at the Makhachkala airport, distancing his country from the incident.
When asked about Russia’s accusations during a White House briefing, John Kirby, the spokesperson for the US National Security Council, labeled them as “classic Russian rhetoric.” He highlighted the tendency to assign blame to external actors when domestic issues escalate.
“The West had nothing to do with this. This is just hate, bigotry, and intimidation, pure and simple,” Kirby asserted.
Historical Parallels
Kirby further compared the disturbing footage from the airport to the pogroms of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, underlining the gravity of the incident.
Airport Chaos Unveiled
Videos circulating on social media showcased the chaos that unfolded at Makhachkala airport, with a large crowd forcibly entering the premises. They managed to open doors, spilling onto the runway. Some individuals also halted vehicles outside, demanding to inspect passengers’ documents, apparently in search of Israeli passports.
Injuries and Condemnation
Russia’s health ministry reported that around 20 people, including a few police officers, sustained injuries, with two in critical condition. After the incident, Governor Melikov expressed his dismay, stating that “all Dagestanis empathize with the suffering of victims caused by the actions of unrighteous people,” while deeming the airport events as “outrageous.”
Israeli Government’s Response
A statement issued by the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized their concern over any attempts to harm Israeli citizens and Jews. It called upon Russian legal authorities to ensure the safety of Israeli citizens and Jews and to take decisive measures against the perpetrators.
In the midst of these startling events, the international community closely watches as the incident raises questions about the role of external influences in domestic conflicts and the complex dynamics at play in the region.
