Why is Islamic State targeting Russia?

On Friday 22 March, Islamic State claimed its deadliest attack in Europe when gunmen affiliated with the group stormed into the Crocus City Hall on the outskirts of Moscow and opened fire on people attending a rock concert. More than 100 people were killed.
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Russian police failed to thwart the attack despite warnings issued by the US to Moscow that extremists groups were plotting attacks in Russia. President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged the involvement of 'radical Islamists' but suggested Ukraine was involved, which Kyiv has rejected.

The Guardian's Moscow correspondent, Andrew Roth, explains why the group might have targeted Russia, why Putin has blamed Ukraine and what impact the attack is likely to have on Putin's carefully tailored strongman image in Russia.

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