The statement of Ramzan Kadyrov, Kremlin-backed president of Chechenya, blames the Tsarnaevs’ American upbringing for their actions and criticizes law enforcement for killing Tamerlan Tsarnaev in a shootout Thursday night:

“Tragic events have taken place in Boston. A terrorist attack killed people. We have already expressed our condolences to the people of the city and to the American people. Today, the media reports, one Tsarnaev was killed as [police] tried to arrest him. It would be appropriate if he was detained and investigated, and the circumstances and the extent of his guilt determined. Apparently, the security services needed to calm down the society by any means necessary,” says Chechen president Ramzan Kadyrov.

“Any attempt to draw a connection between Chechnya and Tsarnaevs — if they are guilty — is futile. They were raised in the United States, and their attitudes and beliefs were formed there. It is necessary to seek the roots of this evil in America. The whole world must struggle against terrorism — that we know better than anyone else. We hope for the recovery of all the victims, and we mourn with the Americans.”

The statement was apparently released on Instagram.

Update: Or, there were these influences. Dave Weigel reports on the muftis and other Islamic/Salafist leaders the bombers quoted.