for 500 K Ruble each, 250 K was paid up front, that's why they attempted escape. More like merc than jihadist. I hope they're not that naive, maybe it's a cover up story.
This one is already shot dead.
Is this the nasty surprise Nuland said in her resignation speech? If not, then what else does she referred to?
US of course knows about it, the hiring and probably instructions were made over the social media, if not mistaken, on Telegram. Won't be surprise if the US has their full conversation. Obviously US didn't share the info with the Russia, both before and after the attack.
Related link: Опубликовано видео допроса террориста из "Крокуса"