"Understanding the Islamic State's Global Warfare: Russia, Ukraine, and Afghanistan"

The recent terrorist attack on the Crocus City Hall concert venue in Moscow has raised questions about Russian President Vladimir Putin's potential involvement in allowing the attack to push for mass mobilization and strengthen domestic support for the Ukraine war. The attack is seen as part of a decade-long struggle between Islamic State (IS) and Russia, with Russia's intervention in Syria in 2015 being a key turning point. Despite warnings and security breaches, the Kremlin seems determined to deflect public anger toward Ukraine, as Russia continues its enduring and expanding war on Ukraine.