Putin blames Chechens for train blast

President Vladimir Putin has accused Chechen separatists of staging the rush-hour bombing that blew apart a Moscow underground carriage.

The blast killed 39 people and wounded scores more.

Mr Putin said the attack appeared aimed at sowing discord before next month's presidential election, and warned he would not negotiate.

"Russia doesn't conduct negotiations with terrorists - it destroys them," he said.

It is unclear whether the blast was the work of a suicide bomber or someone who placed a device on the train as it left the station.

There has been no claim of responsibility, but Chechen insurgents have been blamed for a series of suicide bombings in Moscow and elsewhere in Russia.

The blast came only three weeks after one of Chechnya's most feared warlords threatened fresh strikes in Russia.

Mr Putin, who is expected to win the March 14 presidential elections, has built much of his strong image on a firm refusal to negotiate with the Chechen rebels.