The History Bureau Putin and the Apartment Bombs: 7. Hindsight
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Jan 16, 2026 
In this insightful discussion, Yevgeny Kiselyov, a former NTV director and investigative journalist, asserts that the FSB was involved in the 1999 apartment bombings, linking them to later violent actions by the state. Stephen Lee Myers, a former New York Times Moscow bureau chief, offers a nuanced perspective, suggesting that Chechen militants also had motives and capabilities for the attacks. The conversation dives into the murky waters of responsibility, corruption, and the complex interplay of motives behind one of modern Russia's most unresolved tragedies.
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Professional Expertise Points To Security Service
- David Satter argues the blasts show professional expertise only available to the FSB.
- He points to the Riazan fake bomb and specialised explosive placement as evidence of state involvement.
The Riazan 'Drill' That Raised Doubts
- David Satter recounts the Riazan episode where agents were caught planting a device later called a 'drill' by the FSB.
- Local FSB initially said it was real, then Moscow claimed it was sacks of sugar for a training exercise.
Parliamentary Premonition In Volgodonsk
- The Volgodonsk announcement in parliament predicted a bombing days before it happened, creating an unresolved anomaly.
- Stephen Lee Myers calls this either coincidence or evidence the plan was known in advance.