Russia thanks America after tip leads to arrests for plot to attack New Years Eve celebration in St. Petersburg.

President Trump and President Putin shake hands in 2017. BBC/Reuters.

Russian President Vladimir Putin called and thanked US President Donald Trump for providing information that prevented an New Years Eve attack in St. Petersburg. BBC. Russian media states that two were arrested and materials and plans for the attack were sized by Russian police. Russia states that they were tipped off by the attack from intelligence services. Despite strained ties between the two countries this is not the first time America has helped stop a terror attack on Russian soil. Back in 2017 America helped prevent a similar plot in St. Petersburg. It is unclear who was responsible for the threat and how advanced it was, though ISIS has threatened Russia in the past. 

My Comment:

Even though relations between Russia and the United States are still frosty, I am glad they aren't so bad that exchanges like this aren't possible. America likely saved many Russian lives thanks to this action and we should be proud that we did so. And I sincerely believe that Russia would return the favor if they were given the opportunity. After all, we have bailed them out twice now.

Though we may be worlds apart on many major issues it seems as though Russia is on the same page when it comes to terrorism. They have helped fight ISIS in Syria and allowed our mission to take out ISIS's leader to go forth. Hopefully this spirit of cooperation continues. 

In more sane times I would hope that this would help improve relations with Russia but I don't know how possible that is. The Democrats here in the United States have been on an insane crusade against Russia as they blame the country for losing in 2016, instead of blaming Hillary Clinton for not campaigning in Wisconsin or any of the other dozens of massive screw ups she made. In that environment it's hard to improve relations with a country that really shouldn't be our enemy.

As for the attack itself, it's unclear what the background is, other than the two arrested were Russian nationals. Russia does have a large Muslim population so we can't rule out Islamic terrorism as a possibility and I do think that's the most likely motivation. But without more information I don't want to speculate too much. 

I personally thought New Years Eve celebrations were prime for attacks. Though Times Square in New York is locked down pretty good, other locations could be soft targets and be especially vulnerable to attacks. Plus, many of the victims would be drunk and panic could cause more injuries. I am surprised we haven't seen a major attack on a New Years Eve celebration before. I've never cared much about New Years Eve in the first place and I almost always work for it regardless, but if I was out celebrating I would keep that in the back of my mind...