Terrorism attack in Moscow a test of the world's conscience

The terrorist attack on concertgoers in Moscow on Friday night killed at least 137 people and injured over a hundred. It was one of the most deadly terrorist attacks in Russia's modern history. The number of casualties has surpassed that of the terrorist attack on a Moscow theater in 2002, and is second only to the Beslan hostage incident in 2004.

With its military conflict with Ukraine still ongoing, it is now a very difficult moment for Russia. Dmitry Peskov, Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman, said that Russia is already in "a state of war".

The terrorist attack occurred just after Putin was re-elected. The terrorists came to Moscow to slaughter a large number of civilians, and Putin has pledged that no matter who was behind the atrocity, they will be identified, severely punished and bear the price. The attack was intended to undermine Russia's domestic politics and stability.