Situation in Moscow could be characterized as somewhat strained, however, not strained enough to lead to confrontation, with local police instructed by President Medvedev to prevent any outbreaks.

As a source affiliated with Russian intelligence services told PanARMENIAN.Net, “the identities of those arrested are being clarified. Often the names of people, announced as injured, are non-existent. Some are of the opinion that the situation is being artificially exacerbated through social networks, with a well-known Movement Against Illegal Migrants (DPNI) behind recent events.”

However, the source expressed doubt over the possibility of open confrontation in case no side is subjected to additional provocation. “Unfortunately, law enforcement agencies believe that provocation cannot be ruled out completely,” the source stressed.