Europe | After the killing

Vladimir Putin begins Operation Blame Ukraine

The Kremlin senses an opportunity in the tragedy of Crocus City Hall

Russian President Vladimir Putin
Photograph: Getty Images

VLADIMIR PUTIN is a man who likes victories; preferably stage-managed ones. A fixed election win followed by an exhilarating concert. A rousing Victory Day speech. Eight goals in an ice-hockey game.

Explore more

More from Europe

Russia’s bloody summer offensive is hurting Ukraine

Kremlin troops are making gains in the Donbas region

How much of a difference will Ukraine’s new F-16s make?

Too few to beat Russia’s air force, but a strong symbolic start


Some Germans think the hostage exchange with Russia was a dirty deal

But preserving good relations with America was more important


The deal that freed Evan Gershkovich was more than a prisoner swap

It freed Russian prisoners of conscience as well as Westerners taken hostage by Vladimir Putin

The Olympics are teaching the French to cheer again

France’s politics is a mess, but the games are glorious

Humiliated by Azerbaijan, Armenia tacks towards the West

Courting the EU and America without alienating Russia is a difficult trick