President Vladimir Putin visited Beslan, North Caucasus, ahead of the 20th anniversary of the deadly school siege where armed militants took over 1,100 people hostage, resulting in 334 deaths, including 186 children. Putin paid his respects by laying flowers and visiting the City of Angels memorial cemetery.
He also honored the Federal Security Service (FSB) special forces fighters who stormed the school and toured the school grounds, now converted into an international center for preventing terrorism.
During his visit, Putin met with mothers of the Beslan attack victims, discussing the incomplete investigation and foreign support for terrorists. He assured the Mothers of Beslan group that he would intervene to address their concerns.
In response to the families of the victims, the European Court of Human Rights ruled against Russia for failures in protecting its citizens during the siege, ordering the government to pay nearly 3 million euros in damages.
AFP contributed reporting.