Former FSB director Patrushev said rescue workers, not Russia’s security services, were responsible for the 2002 Moscow theater hostage deaths. (Sergei Shoigu led those rescue services.)

Nikolai Patrushev, once the head of Russia's FSB and now an aide to the president, has controversially shifted blame for the 2002 Moscow theater hostage crisis deaths onto the rescue workers rather than Russia's security services. This statement comes despite the operation being led by then-deputy defense minister Sergei Shoigu, who now serves as Russia's defense minister. Patrushev's comments stir debate over the handling of the incident, which has significant implications for public trust in Russia's security apparatus and the legacy of those involved.