What's happened
Russian President Putin accuses radical Islamists of the deadly attack at a Moscow concert hall, with suspicions of Ukraine's involvement. Four suspects have been charged for the atrocity, claimed by the Islamic State group's Afghanistan affiliate.
Why it matters
Russian President Putin's accusations of radical Islamists and Ukraine's potential involvement in the Moscow concert hall attack have significant implications for regional tensions and counterterrorism efforts. The deadly incident underscores the ongoing threat of terrorism and the challenges in addressing extremist violence.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel and South China Morning Post report Putin's focus on radical Islamists and Ukraine's alleged role, while France 24 highlights the lack of attribution by Putin and the mounting calls in Russia for harsh punishment of those responsible. The New York Times emphasizes the charges brought against the four suspects and the differing narratives surrounding the attack.
How we got here
The attack at the Crocus City Hall music venue in Moscow left 139 dead and over 180 injured, marking one of the deadliest incidents in Russia in years. The Islamic State group's Afghanistan affiliate claimed responsibility, with U.S. intelligence supporting this claim. Putin's statements have raised questions about the motives behind the attack and potential connections to Ukraine.
Common question
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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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.
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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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The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, officially known as the Islamic State and also known by its Arabic-language acronym Daesh, is a militant group and a former unrecognised proto-state that follows
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Moscow is the capital and largest city of Russia. The megacity stands on the Moskva River in the central portion of Western Russia, with a population estimated at 12.6 million residents within the city limits, while over 17 million residents in the urban