When a top military official was killed in similar circumstances this time last year, by a bomb hidden in a scooter, Vladimir Putin criticised Russia’s security services and told them they should learn from their mistakes.
It does not look like they have. Since then, there have been many more assassinations of senior officials – both in Moscow and further afield.
Image: Pic: Investigative Committee of Moscow/AP
This latest killing of two police officers in the same area as Monday’s attack only makes things worse.
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It doesn’t just look complacent. It’s starting to appear incompetent.
Although Ukraine has been behind some of the attacks, in this case, it has not commented.
The timing has certainly been helpful for Ukraine, coinciding with the latest negotiations. So perhaps it’s no coincidence that Kyiv has seemingly made progress in convincing Washington to agree to a less punishing peace proposal.
Article 5-style security guarantees are a big win for Ukraine, as is an allowance to retain the strength of its armed forces.
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They are yet to convince the US on territory, but it’s still progress nonetheless.
Will Moscow agree to the other points? Don’t hold your breath.
Russia’s position “is well known”, the Kremlin said, when asked for its reaction to the latest proposals, suggesting it remains unmoved in its opposition to a security guarantee involving foreign troops.
But even so, it seems the spotlight is back on Moscow.
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