Less than a week ago, Russia President Vladimir Putin claimed a fifth term with his highest-ever share of the vote, using a stage-managed election to show the nation and the world that he was firmly in control.
Just days later came a searing counterpoint: His vaunted security apparatus failed to prevent Russia¡¯s deadliest terrorist attack in 20 years.
Friday¡¯s assault, which killed at least 133 people at a concert hall in suburban Moscow, was a blow to Putin¡¯s aura as a leader for whom national security is paramount. That is especially true after two years of a war in Ukraine that he describes as key to Russia¡¯s survival ¡ª and which he cast as his top priority after the election last Sunday.
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