What's happened
Russian President Putin uses the Moscow terror attack to blame Ukraine, following a history of exploiting such tragedies to consolidate power. The attack, killing 137 people, is the deadliest in 20 years. Putin's delayed response and false accusations raise concerns about his leadership.
Why it matters
The Moscow terror attack, the deadliest in 20 years, raises questions about Putin's leadership and the impact on Russia's stability. His manipulation of such tragedies to strengthen his grip on power is a worrying trend that undermines trust in his administration.
What the papers say
The New York Times highlights Putin's delayed response and false accusations, contrasting with Al Jazeera's perspective on Putin's historical approach to handling terrorist attacks. The Guardian questions Putin's accountability and the lack of checks and balances in Russia's political system.
How we got here
Putin has a history of using terrorist attacks to bolster his authority, dating back to 1999. His rise to power during the Chechen wars positioned him as a leader promising stability and security. The recent attack at the Crocus Concert Hall echoes past tragedies that Putin has exploited for political gain.
Common question
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.