The Aftermath of Deadly Moscow Concert Hall Attack: ISIS-K and Putin's Disinformation Campaign

On March 22, 2024, Russia experienced its deadliest terror attack in two decades at the Crocus City Hall music venue in Krasnogorsk, a suburb north of Moscow. The tragic event unfolded around 8:00 PM MSK when four gunmen began firing at the crowd of an estimated 6,000 people and subsequently set fire to the building. The attackers' actions led to fires that engulfed the venue, resulting in the partial collapse of the roof. The aftermath was devastating, with reports of 144 fatalities, including individuals who later died in hospitals. Additionally, over 551 concertgoers suffered injuries from gunshot wounds and fire-related incidents.

Global, Editor's PicksSalma MouradApril 22, 2024Putin, Russia, ISIS-K, ISIS, Disinformation, Global, Editor's PickComment

The Israel-Hamas War: A Welcome Distraction for Putin

Putin is quick to turn all the blame on the US and its policy concerning this region, not even acknowledging the atrocities committed by Hamas. His sole purpose was to tie the conflict to his greater war against the West. Putin is directly benefiting from the chaos abroad by diminishing the US image, having attention taken away from Ukraine, and US support being divided even further around the globe.

Putin’s Nuclear Threats Lack Weight as an Offensive into Crimea Seems Likely

“Through this decision, along with the announcement that Russia may move strategic nuclear arms to Belarus, President Putin is trying to make it seem that this conflict could quickly turn nuclear. However, past precedent and current pressures on the Russian president make it unlikely that his nuclear weapon moves are more than political posturing.“

Editor's Picks, GlobalJack PrebleMay 11, 2023Global News, Nuclear Weapons, Russian and Ukrainian War, Putin, Editor's PickComment

The International Criminal Court Officially Charges Vladimir Putin with War Crimes

“The International Criminal Court has charged Vladimir Putin and Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova with war crimes due to their investigation finding ‘at least hundreds’ of Ukrainian children from orphanages and care homes were deported to Russia. The warrant holds effective and important implications on the prospects for the settlement of the Russia-Ukraine War.”

Editor's Picks, GlobalEleanor RankinApril 18, 2023Russian and Ukrainian War, Putin, War crimes, Editor's Pick, Global NewsComment

A Sphere of Fractured Influence: Why Putin Has Waged Unprovoked War in Ukraine and NATO’s Involvement in Aiding the Crisis

“Given the history of political and ideological conflict between Western nations and Russia, recent Ukrainian alignment with Western nations as well as NATO has been perceived as betrayal by Putin. With former Soviet nations like Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania already members of NATO, Putin faces a waning sphere of Russian influence in Eastern Europe. Putin’s manifestation of war in Ukraine reveals his fear of losing political influence, as demonstrated by his impetuous and desperate military endeavor to maintain political influence and power over Ukraine.”

GlobalNia SmithMarch 21, 2022Ukraine, War, Putin, Russia, International Conflict, NATO, Europe, EUComment

Bandaids for Bullet Holes: Biden’s Incompetence Risks a Russian Incursion of Ukraine

“Bloodshed threatens to repeat itself in Ukraine. In 2014, Putin annexed the Crimean peninsula after its citizens chose to join Russia in a disputed referendum. Russia’s annexation not only challenged Ukrainian sovereignty but challenged the post-1945 world order. But now, tensions threaten to blow. Reminiscent of the expansionist dreams of the Soviet Union, Russia appears to be on the verge of invading Ukraine once again.”

GlobalMichelle LiuJanuary 31, 2022Russia, Biden, Putin, Ukraine, NATO, WarComment

A Buildup of Troops and Tension Between Russia and Ukraine

“Tensions between Moscow and the West have escalated even further this week, with Russia running military exercises in the Black Sea and massing a large number of troops in Crimea and at Ukraine's border. This comes at a time when internal protests and international pressure around the health of Alexi Navalny already have eyes on Russia and coordinated sanctions have been launched by the US and EU.”

GlobalKay LangleyApril 26, 2021Russia, Conflict, Putin, warComment

Estonian Intelligence Report: Russia Hopes COVID-19 Crisis Will Weaken the West

“Last Wednesday, Estonia’s foreign intelligence agency claimed that Russia is counting on COVID-19 to weaken unity in the West. The Kremlin allegedly hopes to gain a more prominent role on the international stage through this weakening of Western global influence caused by COVID-19 disunity.”

GlobalLabeeb AhmedMarch 1, 2021Russia, Putin, EU, European UnionComment

Navalny’s Return Puts the Russian Regime in a Dilemma

““The previous round of sanctions for Russia’s annexation of the Crimean Peninsula in 2014 are still being felt, with some estimates putting the impact of these prior sanctions at 6% of the entire Russian economy. With the current reality of a COVID-induced economic recession, the Russian government finds itself in a precarious position where they must balance the risk of releasing Nalvany and allowing him to organize protests, versus the economic consequences and metaphorical martyrdom of sending him to serve out his prison sentence.”

GlobalDeep UpadhyayFebruary 9, 2021Russia, Putin, NalvanyComment

Poisoning of Dissident Alexei Navalny shows Putin’s Paranoia

“The timing of Navalny’s poisoning provides insight into Putin’s paranoia. The COVID-19 pandemic has hit Russia hard, coinciding with economic downturn and unpopular proposed constitutional changes which have caused his approval ratings to drop to new lows.”

GlobalMadison UrbanAugust 31, 2020Russia, Putin, Nalvany, DissentComment