Russian President Vladimir Putin says Russia will make no deals with terrorists or submit to any blackmail.
Mr. Putin told government ministers today (Monday) he is ordering the Russian General Staff to change its strategy for using the military against global terrorism because of fears terrorists could use means comparable to weapons of mass destruction. He did not elaborate.
The president said international terrorists have become increasingly bold and cruel, and he warned Moscow will take what he calls "appropriate measures" to fight terrorists.
In the televised remarks the Mr. Putin said Russia will retaliate against terrorists, their leaders and financial backers wherever they may be.
Russian leaders have portrayed the Chechen conflict as a battle with international terrorists. The Russian foreign ministry said in a statement that the al-Qaida terrorist network was behind the hostage incident in Moscow. It offered no evidence to back the allegation.