Moscow attack raises fears of martial law and further escalation in Ukraine

After the bloody attack on Friday in Moscow, there may be a decision to introduce martial law in Russia. This is the viewpoint of Leonid Gozman, a Russian dissident who has lived in exile for years.

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In the Friday attack near Moscow at the Crocus concert hall, approximately 140 people were killed and the same number were injured, "Rzeczpospolita" spoke with Leonid Gozman, the Russian dissident living in exile.

“Regardless of who is behind it, this fits well within the context of recent statements by the Russian authorities. Just a few days before the elections, Vladimir Putin stated that 'the reunification of Russia and Ukraine is inevitable.' Thus, Russia is preparing for the full conquest of Ukraine,” said the opposition figure in the interview with the newspaper.

Gozman also mentioned that right after the elections, Putin revealed that a war with NATO could happen, and the defence minister Soygu, after more than two years, admitted that in Ukraine, it is not a special military operation but a war. “It sounded like a declaration of introducing martial law,” emphasized the expert.

Gozman believes that a consequence of the attack in Moscow might be the escalation of the war in Ukraine. “The introduction of martial law is possible. I wouldn’t dismiss the possibility that Vladimir Putin will declare a state of war not only with Ukraine but also with Western countries,” the dissident shared his concerns.

The attack also helped Putin consolidate his position following the recent presidential elections. It also provides an opportunity to unite Russians against a common enemy - Ukraine. Nevertheless, there's a need to promote the narrative that Ukrainians were behind the attack. The claim of responsibility by the Islamic State does not benefit the Kremlin authorities.