In the aftermath of the terror attack at Moscow’s Crocus concert hall that claimed the lives of at least 139 people, Russian President Vladimir Putin has been swift to attribute the violence — which the Islamic State has repeatedly claimed responsibility for — to Ukraine.
Putin reiterated these claims in a televised address, insinuating that the “neo-Nazi Kyiv regime” was the instigator behind the attack, despite the international community’s scepticism towards his narrative.
But why would ISIS have a bone to pick with Russia?
Putin suggested in his address that Russia’s alignment with Hamas and its firm stance on Israel would shield it from ISIS’s crosshairs.
He questioned whether radical Islamic groups truly had an interest in targeting Russia, a nation that purportedly advocates for a just resolution to the escalating conflicts in the Middle East.
The roots of this animosity can be traced back to Russia’s support of Bashar al-Assad’s regime against ISIS during the Syrian civil war.
In 2022, ISIS claimed responsibility for a fatal assault on the Russian Embassy in Kabul.
Moreover, ISIS presence in Chechnya, where Islamic separatists have long resisted Russian authority, adds another layer to this complex dynamic.
The recent tragedy at the Crocus City Hall is not an isolated incident but a grim chapter in a decade-long struggle between ISIS and Russia.
From Russia’s intervention in Syria to retaliatory attacks and clashes in various regions, the conflict has been marked by bloodshed and reprisals.
As Russia continues to engage with ISIS’s adversaries and navigate complex geopolitical landscapes, the spectre of terrorism looms large.
The attack on the concert venue is a stark reminder of the challenges Russia faces in securing its borders.
Putin’s immediate blame on Ukraine following the attack has been met with scepticism, with many questioning the validity of such accusations and the potential political motivations behind them.
The narrative of external threats and enemies has been a recurring theme in Putin’s leadership, often used to rally domestic support and justify aggressive actions both internally and externally.
The geopolitical implications of these events are far-reaching, with potential consequences for regional stability and global security. The ongoing conflict between Russia and ISIS, intertwined with complex alliances and historical grievances, underscores the volatile nature of contemporary international relations.
