A deadly attack at Crocus City Hall in suburban Moscow during a concert has resulted in at least 133 fatalities, with Islamic State-Khorasan (ISIS-K) claiming responsibility. Russian officials and state media have suggested Ukraine's involvement, which has been denied by Kyiv and lacks evidence according to American officials. President Putin has vowed retribution against the organizers and designated a national day of mourning. The attack, which involved shooting and arson, represents a significant security lapse for the Kremlin and raises questions about the focus of Russian security services. U.S. officials had previously warned of a potential terrorist threat. The Russian authorities have detained 11 people, including four charged with committing a terrorist act. The incident has reignited fears of terrorism in Moscow, reminiscent of past attacks in the 2000s.

A deadly attack at Crocus City Hall, a concert venue on the outskirts of Moscow, resulted in approximately 60 fatalities and over 100 injuries. The incident, which involved several gunmen and was the most lethal in the region in over a decade, was claimed by the Islamic State. The Islamic State in Khorasan, active in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran, is believed to be responsible. The Russian national guard is searching for up to five attackers, and the violence was accompanied by a fire and explosion that led to the building's roof collapsing.

Vladimir Putin secured an inevitable fifth term as Russia's leader until 2030 in a tightly controlled election where opposition was stifled, and the only candidate who opposed the war in Ukraine was banned. Despite some Russians expressing dissent, Putin's victory was expected, with preliminary results showing him winning 88% of the vote. The election was criticized by several European nations and the UN for the lack of political debate and repression of opponents, notably the late Aleksei A. Navalny. Voting in occupied Ukrainian territories was denounced as a sham. Meanwhile, Ukraine continued attacks on Russian targets, demonstrating vulnerabilities in the Russian war machine. The Russian opposition, though repressed, showed solidarity through the 'Noon Against Putin' initiative, a symbolic protest against Putin's regime.

Vladimir Putin's portrayal of a successful and innovative Russia is exemplified by the Russia 2024 exhibition in Moscow, coinciding with his expected re-election. The exhibition, ignoring the ongoing war in Ukraine initiated by Putin, showcases Russia's supposed achievements and promises for the future. Despite the celebratory narrative, Russia faces international isolation, economic challenges, and significant military casualties in Ukraine.

Aleksei A. Navalny's funeral at a Moscow church highlights the complex relationship between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Kremlin, reflecting the church's rise in public life post-Soviet Union and its alignment with President Putin's conservative views. Navalny, an opposition figure and Orthodox Christian, represents the struggle of reconciling political dissent with faith among Russians.

Yulia Seleznyova from Tolyatti, Russia, holds onto hope that her son Aleksei, who was last heard from on New Year’s Eve 2022, might still be alive despite his unit being hit by U.S.-supplied HIMARS rockets in eastern Ukraine on New Year’s Day. The Russian authorities confirmed dozens of deaths, but Aleksei's remains were not identified, leaving his mother without closure and clinging to the possibility that he may have survived with memory loss.

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a four-hour annual news conference, asserting his unchanged goals in Ukraine and expressing confidence despite Western support for Kyiv potentially waning. He was open to peace talks without compromise and discussed a potential 'deal' for the release of detained Americans Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan. Putin acknowledged Russia's inflation concerns, made comparisons between military actions in Ukraine and Gaza to discredit the West, and seemed unconcerned about the upcoming presidential election, implying his victory is assured.

Vladimir Putin, presenting himself as a confident wartime leader, held a four-hour news conference where he maintained his stance on the 'demilitarization' and 'denazification' of Ukraine, showing no signs of compromise. He suggested that Western support for Ukraine might be waning, as evidenced by the impasse in Washington over additional funding for Kyiv. Putin also addressed the arrest of Wall Street Journal correspondent Evan Gershkovich, who is detained in Moscow on espionage charges, which have been denied by him, his employer, and the U.S. government.

Vladimir Putin, speaking from a position of strength, suggested that peace in Ukraine will come when Russia achieves its goals, amidst Western military aid to Ukraine potentially running out. Putin also commented on the arrest of Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal correspondent, and Paul Whelan, expressing willingness to negotiate their release. Despite Western sanctions, Russian military production is increasing, and Ukraine is facing challenges, having failed to secure a substantial aid package from Congress. The EU has opened talks for Ukraine's accession, which historically irritates Putin. Putin's year-end news conference and annual call-in show were combined into a single event, where he appeared confident and dismissed various domestic issues. The event emphasized the war in Ukraine, which Russia still calls 'the special military operation,' and featured questions from Russian and occupied Ukrainian territories.

President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia confidently addressed his annual news conference, maintaining his stance on the 'demilitarization' and 'denazification' of Ukraine and showing no signs of compromise. Despite a Ukrainian counteroffensive and a stalling U.S. aid package in Congress, Putin suggested Western military support for Kyiv might be diminishing. He expressed openness to peace talks but emphasized that peace would only come when Russia's goals are achieved.

In the Russian village of Ovsyanka, the community feels the profound pain and loss of the war in Ukraine as they gather to mourn Garipul S. Kadyrov, a soldier killed near the front line in Klishchiivka. His mother, Sapura Kadyrova, and sister, Lena Kabaeva, along with other relatives and neighbors, share memories and try to find meaning in his death. The contrast between the distant war in Russia's big cities and the intimate impact on this rural community highlights the varying perceptions and experiences of the conflict.

Dmitri A. Muratov, a Russian Nobel Peace Prize winner, and 47 other Nobel laureates have called on the world's billionaires to donate $100 million to UNICEF for aiding children displaced by the war in Ukraine and other conflicts. Muratov, who donated his prize money and auctioned his Nobel medal to support child refugees from Ukraine, emphasized the destruction of schools and the plight of over three million Ukrainian child refugees. The letter highlights the indirect consequences of the war, such as hunger due to blocked Ukrainian grain exports. Muratov, who stepped down as editor of Novaya Gazeta after Russia's invasion of Ukraine and was labeled a 'foreign agent', expressed a lack of hope but a commitment to continue journalistic work.

President Vladimir V. Putin announced that Russia has successfully tested the Burevestnik, a nuclear-powered cruise missile, and is nearing completion of a new nuclear-capable ballistic missile. Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, Putin emphasized that no rational actor would use nuclear weapons against Russia. Details such as the date of the test and the missile's range were not disclosed, and the claim has not been independently verified.

Nearly 19 months after Russia invaded Ukraine, life in Moscow continues with minimal major disruptions, with the war becoming a background noise yet remaining omnipresent. The city's metro operates smoothly, but car navigation is hindered by drone-detecting radars. Luxury Western cars are scarce despite demand from wealthy Muscovites. Local mayoral elections proceeded as usual, though many residents abstained, anticipating a predetermined outcome. Moscow celebrated its 876th anniversary with a month-long exhibition, boasting the country's largest hologram and showcasing the city's seamless operation and bright future, attracting over seven million visitors.

Nearly 19 months into Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Moscow's residents are living with the war as a subtle yet constant presence. Despite little disruption to daily life and continued city development, the war's effects are felt through increased prices, a lack of Western luxury goods, and a subdued political atmosphere. The recent mayoral election saw a predictable landslide victory for the incumbent, reflecting a political environment with little genuine opposition. Public expressions of dissent are limited, and the war is largely absent from public discourse due to repressive laws. Meanwhile, the city adapts, with new brands replacing those that have left and a statue of Felix Dzerzhinsky symbolizing a return to old Soviet symbols.

Moscow's daily life continues with minor disruptions despite the ongoing war with Ukraine, which has become a subtle yet constant presence. Navigation apps are affected by anti-drone radar, luxury car availability is low, and the local mayoral election saw a predictable outcome with low voter turnout. The city celebrated its 876th birthday with a monthlong exhibition featuring the country's largest hologram, attracting over seven million visitors, and promoting Moscow as a thriving metropolis.

Rustem Umerov, a former telecommunications executive and member of the Crimean Tatar ethnic group, has been nominated by President Volodymyr Zelensky to be Ukraine's next minister of defense. Umerov, who is set to become Ukraine's first Muslim government minister, has a background in finance and anti-corruption, which is seen as crucial for managing Ukraine's large military budget amid concerns of corruption. He has previously overseen the privatization of state assets, achieving significant proceeds, and has been involved in key negotiations for Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion. His appointment is viewed as a strategic move to strengthen military spending efficiency and transparency.

The Wagner Group, a private military company with ties to Russia, faces an uncertain future after posing a significant threat to President Vladimir Putin's tenure. Despite its contributions to Russia's geopolitical and business interests, the group's strained relationship with the Russian Defense Ministry and its legal ambiguity under Russian law challenge its continued existence. Putin has offered mixed messages about Wagner's future, and Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has suggested the group may not continue in its current form. Experts like Catrina Doxsee from the Center for Strategic and International Studies anticipate that Russia may still employ similar models to Wagner's but in a more fragmented manner, avoiding conflicts with military leadership.

In Kupiansk, a city near the Russian border and a key point on the 750-mile front line in the Ukraine war, a billboard reflects the precariousness of Ukrainian control. The city, which was occupied by Russian forces for six months at the war's start, was reclaimed by Ukraine in a rapid offensive in September. Now, as Russian forces launch a new offensive, residents fear the possibility of a second occupation.

Belarusian officials conducted a tour of an empty military base in Tsel', Belarus, to demonstrate the absence of Wagner Group fighters, following speculation about the group's presence after a mutiny against Russian military leadership. President Alexander Lukashenko claimed to have brokered the mutiny's resolution and suggested the base could house Wagner fighters. However, the base's purpose remains unclear, with Major General Leonid Kasinsky stating it will be used for military training. Lukashenko's actions appear to maintain his subordination to Russian President Vladimir Putin, while also fostering strategic ambiguity. Journalist Igor Ilyash commented on the benefits of this uncertainty for Lukashenko, Putin, and Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin. The future of Wagner and its potential impact on Belarusian politics, given the country's stance on private military companies, adds to the complexity of the situation.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated that Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the Wagner Group, is currently in Russia, not Belarus, contradicting his earlier claims. Lukashenko's comments come after his intervention in a mutiny led by Prigozhin, which resulted in a deal granting amnesty to Wagner fighters and safe passage for Prigozhin. The Kremlin has not commented on Lukashenko's claims about Prigozhin's whereabouts. Lukashenko also mentioned that the future of Wagner's deployment is up to Russian leadership and that any Wagner units in Belarus could be activated for national defense. The Pentagon indicated no sign of Wagner fighters in Belarus, with most still in eastern Ukraine. Lukashenko's role as a mediator in the crisis has been seen as an attempt to assert independence from Moscow and gain domestic support.

Fierce fighting continues in Ukraine as the country's counteroffensive against Russian forces progresses with small territorial gains in the east and south. Ukrainian officials report heavy combat and resistance, with advances in the direction of Bakhmut and recaptured territory near Berdiansk and Melitopol. President Zelensky acknowledges difficulties but notes progress. The situation near the Antonovsky Bridge in the Kherson region remains intense. Meanwhile, discussions of a prisoner swap between Russia and the United States are ongoing, involving journalist Evan Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan. The safety of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear complex is a concern due to frontline fighting and infrastructure issues. In other developments, President Zelensky accuses Georgia's government of endangering the life of former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, who is currently imprisoned in Georgia. Ukrainian writer Victoria Amelina dies from injuries sustained in a Russian missile strike. The failed mutiny by Wagner mercenaries against Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reveals internal tensions within Russia. Saudi Arabia and Russia announce oil production cuts, and Sweden intensifies efforts to join NATO amid the ongoing conflict.

Belarus is increasingly following Russia's orders in social, military, and economic spheres, raising concerns about its sovereignty. Schools are teaching patriotism and assembling rifles, factories are producing uniforms for soldiers fighting against Ukraine, and state-owned summer camps are hosting children from occupied Ukrainian territories. Belarus's decision to allow Moscow to place tactical nuclear weapons on its territory is seen as a step towards Russian absorption of Belarus, a long-term goal of President Vladimir Putin. Despite historically balancing loyalty to Moscow with independence to maintain power, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko's control is now threatened by Russia's growing influence.

Aleksandr G. Lukashenko, the Belarusian leader, emerged with a public relations victory after brokering an agreement between Vladimir V. Putin and Yevgeny V. Prigozhin of the Wagner military group, averting a potential clash. Lukashenko is leveraging this success to enhance his image as a credible statesman and loyal ally to Putin.

Belarus is increasingly aligning with Russia, socially, militarily, and economically, with recent developments including the country's decision to host Russian tactical nuclear weapons and nuclear-armed bombers. This move is seen as a step towards Russia's potential absorption of Belarus, diminishing Belarusian sovereignty, according to Pavel Slunkin, a former Belarusian diplomat and fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations.

Belarus is increasingly aligning with Russia, socially, militarily, and economically, with schools teaching pro-Russia views, factories producing military uniforms for the war in Ukraine, and summer camps hosting children from occupied Ukrainian territories. Belarus's decision to host Russian tactical nuclear weapons and nuclear-armed bombers is seen as a step towards Russia's goal of absorbing Belarus, diminishing Belarusian sovereignty.

Residents of the Russian border region of Belgorod, particularly the town of Shebekino, are experiencing the horrors of war firsthand as Ukraine intensifies attacks inside Russia. The escalation has led to the largest military evacuation effort in Russia in decades, with thousands fleeing and the regional governor reporting deaths from shelling. The violence has sparked a reevaluation of the war among locals and resentment towards authorities. The situation has also revived a grass-roots civic spirit as citizens organize to help each other, contrasting with the government's response. Historical ties to Ukraine add complexity to the residents' sentiments, with some expressing a change in attitude towards the Ukrainian armed forces.

Ruslan, an English teacher in a Russian town near the Ukrainian border, experienced the war's proximity as shelling began to occur around 3 a.m., sometimes shaking his house. This marked a significant change from the past, where he only heard distant explosions or witnessed damage to a nearby shopping mall.

The governor of Belgorod, Vyacheslav Gladkov, reported a security operation following an attack by anti-Kremlin Russian fighters allied with Ukraine. The Free Russia Legion, part of Ukraine's International Legion, claimed responsibility. Videos verified by The New York Times showed the aftermath near Grayvoron, with Ukrainian insignia on military equipment. Ukrainian officials, including an adviser to President Zelensky, Mykhailo Podolyak, denied involvement, maintaining a policy of ambiguity regarding strikes in Russian territory.

Maria, a 13-year-old Russian girl, was removed from her father Aleksei Moskalyov's care after drawing an antiwar picture, attracting international attention. Over a month later, her custody remains undecided. Moskalyov, charged with discrediting the Russian military, escaped house arrest and was sentenced to two years in prison in absentia. He was later detained in Minsk, Belarus, and is currently in a pretrial detention center in Zhodino, awaiting a deportation hearing. With no close relatives for Masha, her long-term custody is uncertain.

Maria, a 13-year-old Russian girl, was taken from her father Aleksei Moskalyov after drawing an antiwar picture, and her custody remains undecided. Moskalyov, charged with discrediting the Russian military, escaped house arrest but was later detained in Belarus. Maria's mother, Olga Sitchikhina, has now taken her from the orphanage. Russia's children's rights commissioner, Maria Lvova-Belova, indicated Maria's initial reluctance to live with her mother has changed. A custody hearing was inconclusive, with another scheduled for April 20. An activist was fined for a drawing discrediting the Russian armed forces at the hearing.

Valerie Hopkins is a journalist currently serving as the Moscow Correspondent for the New York Times. She has been recognized for her reporting on Russia's invasion of Ukraine with awards such as the Newswomen’s Club of New York’s Marie Colvin Award for Foreign Correspondence and the FASPE Distinguished Fellow Award. Prior to her current role, she was the South-East Europe Correspondent for the Financial Times. Valerie has over a decade of experience in journalism, particularly in South-Eastern Europe, and her work has been featured in several prestigious publications.