Moscow Terrorist Attack Shatters Putin’s Security Promise to Russians

The tragedy outside Moscow is a blow to a leader riding an aura of confidence only days after a stage-managed election victory.

Putin’s successful election win in Russia’s fifth term demonstrates his control, but his security system failed to prevent the deadliest terrorist attack in 20 years.

The assault on Friday in Moscow, killing 133 people, reflects Putin’s emphasis on national security, especially after two years of Ukraine war. The attack, despite a seemingly confident victory in the election, has led to demonstrative humiliation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the nation over 19 hours after the deadly attack on Ukraine, the deadliest in Russia since the 2004 school siege.

He hinted that Ukraine was behind the tragedy and compared the assailants to the Nazis. Putin emphasized the importance of unity and conflated the fight against terrorism with his invasion of Ukraine. The question remains whether the Russian public will support his argument.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly ignored warnings from the US about a potential terrorist attack, dismissing them as “provocative statements” and referring to them as “outright blackmail”.

Critics argue that Putin’s response demonstrates detachment from Russia’s true security concerns, as he has directed his security services to pursue dissidents, journalists, and those deemed a threat to the Kremlin’s definition of “traditional values.” This has led to skepticism about Russia’s security measures.

The Kremlin is discrediting the Islamic State for a concert hall attack in Ukraine, claiming it was a ruse. Critics criticize the reports, while Ukraine’s leadership and Western intelligence services deny involvement. Putin’s increased confidence since invasion highlights political dominance.

Political scientist Kynev believes many Russians are in shock due to Vladimir Putin’s call to restore order. Putin’s early years were marked by terrorist attacks, such as the 2004 Beslan school siege.

However, he predicts the political consequences of the concert hall attack will be limited as long as violence is not repeated.

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