Islamic State claimed the attack on Russia. Why is Putin accusing Ukraine and the West?
Did Russian President Vladimir Putin overplay his hand?
Only five days after Putin breezed to another six-year term in power following a heavily stage-managed election, Russia suffered its deadliest terrorist attack in decades. At least 140 people died when attackers stormed Crocus City Hall, a shopping and entertainment complex on Moscow's northwestern edge, first raking concertgoers with gunfire and then setting the venue ablaze.
Putin's near-immediate response to Friday's attack was to blame Ukraine, the neighboring sovereign country he has spent the last two years trying to subdue militarily. The government of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vehemently denied any involvement in the attack.
On the face makes no sense.
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