‘Key issue’: Putin may use Moscow attack to ‘justify expansion’ of war in Ukraine

ASPI Senior Analyst Dr Malcolm Davis says the “key issue” of the terrorist attack in Moscow is how Vladimir Putin uses it to “justify an expansion” of the war in Ukraine.

ISIS has claimed responsibility for an attack at a concert venue in Moscow, which killed at least 60 people and injured over 140.

“I think my focus is on how Putin will use this to justify a mobilisation of manpower that can then be thrown into the fight in Ukraine,” Dr Davis told Sky News Australia.

“That’s the key issue here – the key issue is how do we ensure that Russia is defeated in Ukraine.

“If Western military aid is beginning to falter, as is clearly the case with the US Congress now putting off any vote on military aid going to Ukraine, then I think that the real risk as we go into the northern spring and summer, the Russians will break through the Ukrainian defences and then launch an offensive.

“It’s a case of how does Putin use this latest incident to justify an expansion and intensification of the war in Ukraine.”

[rihe]

The person speaking should learn a few facts if he is going to portray himself as an expert.

[hansbosman]

How did the US ministery of foreighn affairs know within one and a half hour it was not Ukraine committing this terror attack?

[newerzealand]

I love sky news but your coverage of Russia is abysmal

[paschaff-dahom]

How does the US know it’s not Ukraine? Two weeks ago the US and UK embassies in Moscow warned their citizens to avoid public places in Moscow.

[michaelcarroll]

Oh boy ! WHO is this " RINGIN " nonsencical " expert ?

[nifty]

The BS "expert". Where do they dig them up from!

[thomasrobinson]

Yeah. Kind of like invading Iraq looking for WMDs.

[vivrowe]

Stop speaking about Ukraine, concentrate on what is going on now, which you have no idea about.

[vladoparenzan]

Really haven't you seen those guys Russian or Ukrainan
You are supposed to be an expert
God help us

[kenzulumovski]

I think it's very clear that this gentleman is a script reader and cannot think for himself. This is not a factual or credible news source and should be used as white background noise. Thank you

[paulveenings]

Russia was already ramping up its special military operation in Ukraine before this terrorist attack .

[wicky]

This expert is so shallow in knowledge. Pathetic journalism

[juhocafe]

Putin is not instigating territorial expansion but curtailing NATO expansion

[KIA-MIA-POW]

This "expert" is nothing more than a crystal ball gazer

[EbsaMohammed-wk]

Lier, this is western work and even if it's Islamic state, that created by USA

[franzxaverjosephconradgraf]

Truly shameful to use a tragedy caused by a terrorist attack and using it for propaganda...You should be ashamed of yourself

[andrewwhite]

Not Islamist extremists that killed so many in the Moscow venue.
Chechnya is primariy Muslim and their elite fighters fought for Russia on the frontline, and no doubt still are.

Best guess would be ....Zelenski's Azov Battalion militants in an operation backed by the CIA or M.I.6.

* This war and not a 'Special Operation' will be over in a few months.
Unless Macron decides to put a few thousand troops on the then NATO will have no choice but to get involved, when these troops are instantly destroyed.

Putin has said or inferred more than once, that if this happens.
'It will be start of WW-3' and by extension, the end of humanity.'

[mondardaman]

No way that was ISIS, 100 percent Ukrainer and the US. You would think ISIS to go after the US or Israel, not Russia

[Conky]

I wonder if Andrew forest's ukranian hydrogen power stations will be any good under fire..

[rhyno]

Well, whoever it was brought this on themselves.