Bottom Line Upfront: 

France and Italy have both raised their security threat levels following the recent terrorist attack in Moscow, claimed by the Islamic State. 

France has elevated its threat level to the highest level of "emergency attack", while Italy has also increased surveillance and checks in preparation for Easter Sunday. These heightened security measures include stepped-up patrols by armed forces in public places such as train stations, airports, and religious sites. 

For the Paris Olympic Games, Hazards Loom...

The move comes as both countries grapple with the potential for similar terror attacks and aim to ensure the safety of their citizens. The decision to raise the threat level in France also raises questions about the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games, scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11. 

Solidarity and Cooperation 

The attack in Moscow has garnered sympathy and solidarity from countries in the West, including the United States, despite the ongoing Ukraine war. Moscow has expressed its readiness to restore counter-terrorism cooperation agreements with Europe, which were initially severed due to the conflict in Ukraine. 

Moscow Attack and Disinformation 

However, the Kremlin has also pointed fingers at Ukraine, alleging that the attackers were attempting to escape into Ukrainian territory with government assistance. The Islamic State Khorasan, or ISIS-K, claimed responsibility for the Ukraine attacks. ISIS-K is a branch of the Islamic State based in Khorasan Province, Afghanistan.  No evidence supports Russian claims that Ukraine was involved in the Moscow attack. 

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