Russia has accused Ukraine of carrying out a failed drone attack on the Kremlin in an attempt to assassinate President Vladimir Putin. This is the most serious accusation that Moscow has made against Kyiv in over 14 months of conflict, and it suggests that Russia is preparing a significant terrorist provocation.
The Kremlin issued a statement saying that two unmanned aerial vehicles targeted the Kremlin, but Russian military and special services used radar warfare systems to take them out. The statement continued, “We regard these actions as a planned terrorist act and an attempt on the president’s life, carried out on the eve of Victory Day, the May 9 Parade, at which the presence of foreign guests is also planned. The Russian side reserves the right to take retaliatory measures where and when it sees fit.”
Baza, a Telegram channel with links to Russia’s law enforcement agencies, posted a video that purportedly shows a drone approaching the dome of the Kremlin Senate building and exploding in a burst of light just before reaching it. Reuters has not yet verified the video’s authenticity.
In response to the accusation, a senior Ukrainian presidential official denied Ukraine’s involvement and stated that the accusation was an indication of Russia’s preparation for a significant terrorist provocation. Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said, “Ukraine has nothing to do with drone attacks on the Kremlin. We do not attack the Kremlin because, first of all, it does not resolve any military tasks.”
This accusation comes amidst ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Russian hardliners are demanding swift retribution against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, and Russia has reserved the right to retaliate against Ukraine.
The accusation of Ukraine attempting to assassinate President Vladimir Putin with drones is a serious accusation, which Moscow has made against Kyiv in the midst of ongoing conflict. The authenticity of the drone footage has yet to be verified, and Ukraine denies any involvement. The situation remains tense, and Russia has reserved the right to retaliate