Russian DPM: Sochi as Safe as New York, Washington, Boston

Says the risk of terrorism has been overblown

SOCHI, Russia – Russian deputy prime minister Dmitry Kozak said Thursday the concern over a terrorist attack on the Winter Olympics has been overblown in media reports and characterized Russia's ability to secure the games equal to any country hosting a major international event.

"The level of fear should be lower," Kozak said through an interpreter. "The level of threat in Sochi is no worse than in New York, Washington or Boston. Based on information we received from our intelligence services, there's no reason to believe Sochi is under more threat than any city on the planet."