Redeployment of Russian Forces to Ukraine Leads to Drop in Violence in North Caucasus.

RUSSIAN foreign relations, 1991-; UKRAINIAN foreign relations, 1991-; ISLAMIC State (Organization); INTERNATIONAL relations

The article discusses the decline in the intensity of violence in North Caucasus and implications of Russian forces being redeployed to Ukraine. Topics discussed include signs indicating unlikelihood of situation in North Caucasus improving in 2015 with return of forces and more pledging allegiance to Islamic State, focus of Russia on stealth war with Ukraine to affect formation of new armed resistance system in North Caucasus, and shifts in public opinion to affect Russia.