Alicia Alamillos is a journalist and fixer based in Madrid, Spain. Former Middle East correspondent for ABC newspaper, based in Cairo, Egypt. Former Subsaharan Africa correspondent and editor for EFE News Agency based in Nairobi, Kenya. With experience working for print, online and radio. Breaking ...

Russia points to Ukraine for the attack. Kiev returns the ball: 'Why didn't the guards respond?'

26 Mar 2024  |  www.elconfidencial.com  |  Spanish  |  Terrorism

Following a terrorist attack in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the involvement of Islamic State affiliates but continued to implicate Kiev as the mastermind behind the scenes. Despite evidence of the attackers' allegiance to the Islamic State, Russian security services and state media have suggested Ukrainian involvement. Ukrainian officials and citizens have expressed skepticism, questioning the security failures and suggesting the possibility of a false flag operation. The incident has fueled conspiracy theories and may be used by Russia to justify further mobilization and unpopular measures to finance the invasion of Ukraine.

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Federal Security Service (FSB) Islamic State RT

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Radio clients: NPR News, PRI’s The World, BBC World Service, WNYC, NJPR, NPR’s Snap Judgment, Deutsche Welle

Phoners / two-ways / live-to-air: NBC, NPR; Sky News (UK); CBS Radio New York; Deutsche Welle (Germany); CBC News Radio; Radio New Zealand; WNYC (New York)

Evan Gershkovich champions Russian political prisoners in first comments after arriving in the U.S.

02 Aug 2024  |  autos.yahoo.com  |  English  |  Diplomacy

Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, highlighted the plight of Russian political prisoners upon his return to the U.S. following a multinational prisoner exchange. The exchange involved 24 individuals, including Russian dissidents and Western prisoners, and was facilitated by diplomatic efforts from seven nations. President Joe Biden praised the exchange as a diplomatic success. The article also discusses the political implications of the exchange, with analysts suggesting it may not indicate a shift in Russia's stance on the war in Ukraine. Key figures in the exchange include Paul Whelan, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Vladimir Kara-Murza, with Russian President Vladimir Putin welcoming Russian prisoners back home.

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FSB Wall Street Journal The Guardian Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Kremlin

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Howard Amos is a journalist based in Moscow, Russia. He has broad experience writing about politics and business as well culture and social issues in Russia and the former Soviet Union. He has been based in Moscow for six years and has written for publications including The Associated Press, The ...

Tom Parfitt’s ‘High Caucasus’ is Shortlisted for Pushkin House Book Prize

12 May 2024  |  The Moscow Times  |  English  |  Conflict in the Caucasus

Tom Parfitt's book 'High Caucasus' is a travelogue and historical exploration of Russia's North Caucasus, reflecting on the region's complex history of violence and ethnic tensions. The narrative intertwines personal stories with broader historical events, such as the Chechen wars and Stalin's deportations, offering insights into the enduring impact of these conflicts. Parfitt's journey, undertaken years ago, provides a poignant perspective on a region now less accessible due to increased authoritarianism. The book is recognized for its lyrical descriptions and engaging storytelling, capturing the resilience of the people and the haunting beauty of the landscape.

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Adrian Ardelean is a journalist based in Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Broadcast working experience 15yrs
BBC Worldservice
Europa FM Radio, Romania
Digi24 TV, Romania

Moscow bans Moldovan officials and journalists from entering Russia. The reason would be 'hostile actions against Russia'

01 Nov 2023  |  Europa Liberă România  |  Romanian  |  Sanctions

Moscow has banned several Moldovan officials and journalists from entering Russia, citing hostile actions against Russia. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concerns over Moldova potentially allowing NATO to train Ukrainian soldiers on its territory, which it deems unacceptable. The ban includes high-ranking officials and journalists, with accusations of political persecution against Russian-speaking journalists. Moldova maintains its stance against foreign interference and has taken measures against pro-Russian media and politicians. The article also highlights Moldova's defense strategy identifying Russia as a major threat and the EU's agreement to start accession negotiations with Moldova and Ukraine.

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FSB Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia NATO GRU Sputnik Moldova PAS EU

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Joshua Askew is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

UK accuses Russia of democratic interference

07 Dec 2023  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  UK-Russia Relations

The UK has accused Russia of using cyber attacks to disrupt its democracy, targeting politicians, civil servants, journalists, and NGOs. The Foreign Office claims these attacks, led by the FSB and groups like Star Blizzard, aim to undermine trust in politics. Sanctions have been imposed on individuals involved, and the Russian Ambassador has been summoned. The UK government emphasizes the need for robust cyber defenses, with Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden highlighting the ongoing threat from state and sub-state actors. Relations between Russia and the West remain strained, particularly since the invasion of Ukraine.

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Federal Security Service (FSB) Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) UK Government Russian Government

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David Chazan is a journalist.

Anonymous email links Paris rail attacks to far-left group

10 Oct 2023  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  Olympics

A Russian chef with alleged ties to the FSB was arrested in Paris for plotting to disrupt the Games. Arson attacks on Paris rail lines caused significant disruption, affecting Eurostar services. An anonymous email linked the attacks to far-left groups, criticizing the Olympics as a celebration of nationalism and power. French security services are investigating, suspecting ultra-leftists due to similar past incidents. RiseUp, a US-based organization, is mentioned in the email but has not responded to legal orders. Extinction Rebellion activists were also detained for planning to sabotage the Olympics. SNCF is working to repair the damage.

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FSB RiseUp Extinction Rebellion French security services

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JJ Green is a journalist based in Washington, D.C. United States of America. I am an international security reporter. My area of specialty includes war correspondence, intelligence, espionage, cyber military and foreign policy.

American prisoner Paul Whelan fears ‘being left behind a third time’

01 Dec 2023  |  wtop.com  |  English  |  Espionage

American prisoner Paul Whelan, detained in Russia on espionage charges, expresses deep concern about being overlooked by the U.S. government for a third time. He fears that the Biden administration might negotiate the release of fellow detainee Evan Gershkovich, leaving him behind. Whelan criticizes the U.S. for not following the necessary format for his release and highlights the Kremlin's rigid stance on prisoner exchanges. He also points out the lack of significant actions by the U.S. government to create leverage for his release, adding to his mounting stress and frustration.

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Federal Security Service (FSB) Kremlin White House National Security Council

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Jochen Hasmanis is a journalist & filmmaker based in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. 

As Director of Photography/Cinematography Jochen provides camera crews in Germany, Europe and worldwide. He is the founder of a media company and offers full-service video and audio production.

For more ...

U.S., U.K. Reconsider Long-Range Weapons Restrictions on Ukraine

13 Sept 2024  |  Foreign Policy  |  English  |  Military Strategy

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and U.S. President Joe Biden are considering allowing Ukraine to use Western-supplied long-range weapons to target deeper inside Russian territory, excluding U.S.-provided systems. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that this could escalate the conflict with NATO. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged Western allies to lift weapons restrictions to relieve pressure on the front lines. The U.S. Treasury Department accused Iran of supplying missiles to Russia, and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy highlighted the strategic shift due to Iran's involvement. The article also touches on Russia's response, including revoking accreditations of British diplomats.

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FSB NATO Kremlin U.S. Treasury Department

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Valerie Hopkins is currently the South-East Europe Correspondent for the Financial Times, where she covers the region out of Budapest. She has more than ten years of experience working in South-Eastern Europe. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian The Atlantic, The Washington ...

Long Johns, Forensics and a Bound Russian Killer: Inside the Big Prisoner Swap

03 Aug 2024  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Cold War

A significant prisoner swap between Moscow and the West, the largest since the Cold War, involved a private jet from Germany carrying various officials and a convicted Russian assassin, Vadim Krasikov. Concurrently, a Russian government jet transported F.S.B. officers and 16 prisoners released by Russia and Belarus to Ankara, Turkey. The exchange was marked by tense moments and involved high-profile Russian dissidents.

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F.S.B. Russian Government Western Government

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Andrew Lindsay is an award-winning multimedia journalist based in Manchester (Media City, Salford), United Kingdom; a shoot-and-edit journalist with a flair for writing.

His career in print journalism began in 2000, after which he returned to the prestigious Cardiff University to gain a ...

The Bank Preemption Ripple Effects After Cantero, Flagstar

03 Sept 2024  |  www.wilmerhale.com  |  English  |  Supreme Court Decision

The article analyzes the implications of recent legal decisions on national bank preemption, focusing on the Supreme Court's ruling in Cantero v. Bank of America and the Ninth Circuit's decision in Kivett v. Flagstar Bank FSB. It highlights the directive for lower courts to refer to established precedents and assess the interference of state laws with national banks, emphasizing a practical evaluation based on legal texts, precedents, and common sense.

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Flagstar Bank FSB Supreme Court US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit Bank of America

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jean-marc manach is a french investigative & OSINT (data)journalist based in Paris, France, working on surveillance, privacy and intelligence issues (among other things) since the late 90s.

He has written numerous information security manuals explaining how to protect ones sources and ...

The dismantling of the LockBit ransomware reveals its links with members of the Evil Corp gang

03 Oct 2024  |  Next  |  French  |  International Sanctions

The dismantling of the LockBit ransomware network has unveiled its connections with the notorious Evil Corp gang. Europol and Eurojust, in collaboration with law enforcement from 12 countries, have arrested key members and seized critical infrastructure. The operation revealed that LockBit, contrary to its promises, archived stolen data. Evil Corp, linked to the Russian state, has been a persistent cyber threat, extorting over $300 million globally. Sanctions have been imposed on several Russian individuals, including Maksim Yakubets, the alleged leader of Evil Corp, and his associates. The article highlights the intricate ties between cybercriminals and Russian intelligence, with significant implications for international cybersecurity efforts.

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FSB Europol Eurojust National Crime Agency FBI GRU Evil Corp LockBit

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Malik Mansur is a journalist based in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Investigation into Moscow Terror Attack Begins in Tajikistan

26 Mar 2024  |  www.amerikaovozi.com  |  Uzbek  |  Investigation

Seven Tajik citizens and a Kyrgyz-born Russian citizen, Alisher Qosimov, have been detained in connection with the Moscow terror attack. Qosimov allegedly rented a house to one of the attackers. Investigations and detentions are also underway in Tajikistan, with President Rahmon overseeing the process. The ISHID – Xuroson group claimed responsibility, but Russian authorities suspect Ukrainian involvement. Statements from Russian officials, including FSB head Bortnikov, suggest a broader conspiracy involving Western intelligence. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have condemned the reported torture of suspects.

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FSB ISHID – Xuroson Amnesty International

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Rachel Marsden is a media professional with over two decades of expertise in international politics. Her extensive career includes multilingual hosting, presenting, producing, and debating across TV, radio, and digital platforms. She has been an internationally syndicated columnist since 2011, ...

Moscow terror attack: a suspect list

26 Mar 2024  |  Tribune Content Agency  |  English  |  International Relations

A terror attack at the Crocus City Hall concert venue in Moscow resulted in over 130 deaths and 150 injuries. Prior warnings from the U.S. Embassy and actions by Russia's FSB against an Afghan terror cell were noted. The article explores the possibility of Ukrainian involvement in various attacks on Russian civilians and infrastructure, citing historical instances and patterns of asymmetric warfare. The author raises questions about the quick dismissal of Ukrainian responsibility by American officials and suggests ISIS or its offshoot, ISIS-K, as potential perpetrators, while also hinting at Western complicity in creating terrorist havens in Ukraine.

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Victor Maxian is a journalist based in Chișinău, Moldova. He is working as a freelancer for Radio Free Europe Chisinau. He studied filmmaking at the Academy of Arts in Moldova. He is specialised in documentaries.

Welcome to Gagauzia, Vladimir Putin's Laboratory

14 Jan 2024  |  Le Point.fr  |  French  |  Russian Influence

As the European Union moves towards the accession of Moldova, the Kremlin is actively working to destabilize the autonomous region of Gagauzia. Viktor Petrov, a suspected FSB agent and vice-governor of Gagauzia, is a key figure in this geopolitical struggle. The article highlights the tension between Russian influence and Moldova's European aspirations.

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Charles Maynes is a journalist and radio producer currently based in Moscow, Russia. His news reporting and features can be heard on various public broadcasters worldwide, including PRI’s 'The World’, This American Life, 99% Invisible, Radiolab, Benjamen Walker’s Theory of Everything, CBC Canada, ...

U.S. reporter Evan Gershkovich has now spent a whole year jailed in Russia

31 Mar 2024  |  whyy.org  |  English  |  Legal Issues

Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, has been detained for a year by Russian security forces on espionage charges, which the Journal and U.S. government reject. His arrest has strained U.S.-Russia relations and is seen as part of Russia's 'hostage diplomacy.' Gershkovich, who has reported on Russia since 2017, was detained in Yekaterinburg and faces up to 20 years in jail if convicted. The U.S. has labeled him 'wrongfully detained,' and negotiations for his release are ongoing, with Russia indicating openness to a prisoner swap. Meanwhile, Gershkovich remains in Lefortovo prison, with his trial date uncertain.

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Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) U.S. Government Foreign Ministry of Russia

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Alyssa Moxley is a writer and audio producer based in Athens, Greece. She is available for investigative reports, detailed cultural analysis, and interviews for print and radio. She is also available for audio recording (for radio or video) needs with high quality equipment. She has expertise in ...

A Terrorist Attack in Russia

25 Mar 2024  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  ISIS

A terrorist attack at a concert hall near Moscow resulted in over 100 deaths and numerous injuries, marking the deadliest attack in Russia in decades. The attack was carried out by four gunmen who set the venue on fire after shooting concertgoers. The perpetrators, identified as non-Russian citizens, were apprehended by Russian authorities. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack, but Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested a possible Ukrainian connection, despite a lack of evidence. The incident raises questions about Russia's security focus amid its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

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FSB Islamic State Kremlin

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Spanish journalist based in İstanbul, Turkey. Currently working for newspapers, TV, radios and video agency –as a producer– from Istanbul and also from the region of the Middle East. I use to cover topics such as politics, migration or social issues. Regular contributor for CNN, Ruptly, Ara, El ...

The Russian opposition leader Navalny died days before being released in a prisoner exchange, says his team

26 Feb 2024  |  www.france24.com  |  Spanish  |  Russian Politics

Alexei Navalny, the Russian opposition leader, died days before a planned prisoner exchange, according to his team. Maria Pevchikh, a close ally, claims that Navalny was to be exchanged along with two American citizens for Vadim Krasikov, a Chechen serving a life sentence in Germany. Pevchikh accuses Vladimir Putin of ordering Navalny's death to prevent his release. The article details the circumstances surrounding Navalny's death, the planned exchange, and the reactions from his allies and family, who reject the official cause of death and blame the Kremlin.

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FSB Kremlin Wall Street Journal

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British journalist, editor, and researcher. Work published in the Guardian, POLITICO Europe, New Statesman, Vice, The Moscow Times, and New Eastern Europe. 

Now primarily in London/Baltics but open to Russia-based commissions with the appropriate arrangements.

Pavel Durov, the Telegram genius and his tug of war with the Kremlin

30 Aug 2024  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  Crime

Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, faces legal challenges in France over the app's use by criminals, while his complex relationship with the Kremlin and his libertarian views are scrutinized. Telegram, a platform with nearly a billion users, is pivotal for free speech in authoritarian states but also used by various state and non-state actors. Durov's arrest marks a significant moment in tech regulation, raising concerns about digital rights and free expression. Despite allegations of ties to the Kremlin, Durov maintains a nomadic lifestyle and a controversial public image.

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Kelvin Ng is a journalist based in Hong Kong, Hong Kong.

FSB finds uneven application of money market fund reforms

27 Feb 2024  |  Lexology  |  English  |  Money Market Funds

An international body of central banks and financial ministries has stated that the EU and UK need to maintain progress with money market fund regulation reforms.

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Dan Peleschuk is a freelance journalist in Kiev, Ukraine, covering politics and society in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.

Russia arrests four suspected gunmen as toll from concert massacre climbs

24 Mar 2024  |  www.sowetanlive.co.za  |  English  |  International Relations

Russia arrested 11 people, including four suspected gunmen, for a shooting rampage at a concert hall near Moscow that killed 143 people, marking the deadliest attack in the country in 20 years. Islamic State claimed responsibility, but Russia is investigating a potential Ukrainian link, which Ukraine denies. The suspects were apprehended while heading to the Ukrainian border. Russian state TV showed a video of one suspect being interrogated. The attack occurred two weeks after the U.S. embassy in Russia warned of a potential extremist attack in Moscow. The United Nations Security Council condemned the attack, and Russia has heightened security nationwide.

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FSB Islamic State Russian Government

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Jerome is The Times Africa Correspondent, based in Nairobi. Before that he lived in Afghanistan and worked for various newspapers and broadcasters.

WEB OF SPIES Jeremy Corbyn unwittingly used government documents stolen by Russian hackers to claim NHS ‘was up for sale’

07 Dec 2023  |  The Sun  |  English  |  Espionage

The article reports on a series of cyber attacks by Russian state hackers targeting UK MPs, former MI6 spy chief Sir Richard Dearlove, SNP MP Stewart McDonald, and others. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of GCHQ, attributed the attacks to the FSB's hackers, known as Star Blizzard. The attacks, which began in 2015, aimed to undermine trust in politics and included spear-phishing campaigns. Jeremy Corbyn was mentioned as having unwittingly used stolen documents in the 2019 General Election. The article also references previous Russian activities, such as the Novichok attack in Salisbury and the assassination of Alexander Litvinenko. The UK's allies in the Five Eyes issued joint cyber warnings, and the UK government has vowed to strengthen defenses against such espionage.

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FSB MI6 SNP Labour Five Eyes GRU SVR

Anastasia Tenisheva is a journalist based in Moscow, Russia.

‘We Are With You’: Thousands of Russians Gather for Navalny’s Funeral

01 Mar 2024  |  The Moscow Times  |  English  |  Protests

Thousands of mourners gathered in Moscow to honor the late opposition figure Alexei Navalny, despite heavy police presence and official warnings. The funeral, held at a Russian Orthodox church, saw significant attendance from Navalny's supporters, foreign diplomats, and opposition figures. The Kremlin took measures to prevent the funeral from gaining public attention, including detentions and media blackouts. Navalny's death has been widely deemed politically motivated, and his supporters continue to accuse the Kremlin of being behind his murder. The event highlighted the ongoing political repression in Russia and the enduring hope among Navalny's followers for a better future.

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Maxim Tucker reports for The Times on Ukraine. He has worked in some of the hottest spots in the conflict zone and various locations throughout the country. He has extensive contacts within the Ukrainian government, military and intelligence services, as well as among diplomats, political parties, ...

How Ukraine uses Mossad tactics to hunt down Russian war criminals

20 Dec 2024  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  Intelligence Operations

Ukrainian special forces are employing tactics similar to Israel's Mossad to target Russian war criminals globally, as part of a broader strategy to bring justice to those responsible for atrocities. This includes recruiting agents through anti-Putin channels and using cryptocurrencies for payments. The operations extend beyond Ukraine, with missions in countries like Mali, Sudan, and Syria targeting Russian mercenaries. The article highlights the ongoing intelligence and military efforts by Ukraine to counter Russian aggression and the impact of these operations on international relations.

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FSB Mossad Ukrainian special forces SBU HUR Wagner

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Cassandra Vinograd is a freelance journalist and producer specializing in conflict, human rights and migration. She previously worked for NBC News, The Associated Press and The Wall Street Journal. Her reporting has taken her throughout Africa, Europe and the Middle East. 

She is HEFAT certified....

Death Toll Rises to 133 in Moscow Concert Hall Attack

23 Mar 2024  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  ISIS

The death toll in the Moscow concert hall attack has risen to 133, with ISIS-K claiming responsibility. Russian authorities have detained 11 suspects, including four Tajik citizens. President Vladimir Putin has declared a national day of mourning and vowed retribution. The attack has raised questions about Russia's security measures, especially in light of ignored warnings from the U.S. The incident has also sparked a blame game, with Russian state media and officials attempting to implicate Ukraine, despite ISIS-K's claims. The attack has punctured the sense of safety in Moscow and highlighted potential lapses in Russia's focus on counterterrorism.

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Federal Security Service (F.S.B.) ISIS-K Russian Government White House

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