Tragic Moscow Terror Strikes Shake Putin's Security Promise

Just a week after Vladimir Putin won his fifth presidential term, Russia is facing chaos and devastation.

The recent horrific attack on the Crocus City Hall concert venue and shopping complex near Moscow, claimed by ISIS, has resulted in the deaths and injuries of hundreds of innocent people.

Four men suspected of carrying out the attack were apprehended near Russia's border with Ukraine, according to Russian authorities. President Putin stated that they were planning to enter Ukraine, although Kyiv has denied any involvement and cautioned that Russia might use the incident as a pretext to escalate its invasion.

In light of concerns about potential future attacks, security has been increased at major transportation hubs throughout Russia. Additionally, public concerts and sporting events have been rescheduled.

Many Russians voted for President Putin hoping for stability and security, but recent events have shown that this may not be the case. For years, Putin has been seen as a strong leader who can bring order to Russia's vast and turbulent landscape.

Russia appears to be facing more instability and uncertainty now than at any other time during Putin's 24-year rule. The ongoing brutal conflict in Ukraine, which has entered its third year, has taken a heavy toll on the Russian population. Although the military does not release official casualty numbers, estimates from the US indicate that over 300,000 Russians have been killed or injured.

Many families are worried as troops deployed last year have not yet been rotated back from the frontlines. The prolonged war has raised concerns among Russians that more individuals may be drafted, increasing the number of people sent into the dangerous conflict in Ukraine.

At the same time, Ukrainian drone attacks and cross-border raids carried out by Russian militias based in Ukraine and opposed to the Kremlin are ongoing.

At the Ukrainian front, Russian forces currently seem to have the upper hand in terms of military control. However, the underperformance of Russian commanders and equipment throughout the war has led to unexpected instability and internal discord. Bloggers and military hardliners are expressing anger at the incompetence of those in charge, creating a challenging situation for the Russian forces.

Last year, a mutiny occurred led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner mercenary group. This uprising was unlike anything seen before, as Prigozhin demanded the removal of the Russian high command, posing a significant challenge to Kremlin authority.

His fiery death in a mysterious plane crash shortly afterwards permanently eliminated the Prigozhin threat. However, there is a possibility of other disgruntled hardliners emerging.

Similarly, the recent passing of Alexey Navalny, Russia's most prominent opposition leader, has permanently silenced a vocal Kremlin critic. The thousands who attended his funeral in Moscow, or participated in a Midday Against Putin mass gathering at polling stations on the final day of the presidential election, show a strong base of discontent.

But now, all eyes are on the recent resurgence of large-scale Jihadi terror attacks in Russia, which are not connected to the conflict in Ukraine or internal opposition against the Kremlin.

Adding to the concern, the US and other Western countries have issued warnings based on intelligence indicating a potential attack in early March. American officials have been sharing this intelligence with Russia for several months.

Putin decided to disregard the warnings, calling them a "provocation... to intimidate and destabilize our society." This could be due to the current state of distrust in US-Russian relations. Additionally, the US intelligence may have been too vague or not actionable.

But for a leader who has promised security and stability to Russians, a major attack on Russian soil is yet another powerful blow.

Editor's P/S:

The recent attacks in Russia have exposed the fragility of the stability that President Putin has promised to his people. While Putin has been seen as a strong leader in the past, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the recent terrorist attacks have created a sense of uncertainty and instability in the country.

The fact that Putin chose to disregard warnings from the US and other Western countries about a potential attack is a worrying sign. It suggests that he is either out of touch with the reality of the situation in Russia or that he is willing to put the lives of his people at risk for political gain. Either way, it is clear that Putin's grip on power is weakening, and that Russia is facing a difficult and uncertain future.. The article highlights the growing discontent among Russians, fueled by the war in Ukraine, the silencing of opposition voices, and the threat of terrorism. It remains to be seen how Putin will respond to these challenges and whether he can restore stability and security to a nation that has endured so much turmoil.