Europe | After the killing
Vladimir Putin begins Operation Blame Ukraine
The Kremlin senses an opportunity in the tragedy of Crocus City Hall

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