Moscow, Russia – Two drones were used in a “planned terrorist attack” on the Kremlin overnight on Wednesday, according to the Russian Presidential Administration. The Ukrainian government has been accused of being behind the attempt to assassinate President Vladimir Putin. Fortunately, both drones were destroyed, and no injuries were reported. Despite this, the Kremlin has vowed to take “retaliatory measures”.
The Russian military claims to have downed the unmanned aerial vehicles using electronic warfare systems before the drones could explode. Putin was not harmed in the attack, according to the Russian Presidential Press service.
The Ukrainian authorities have denied any involvement in the alleged attack and have accused Russia of trying to play a “trick” by suggesting that they were behind the incident. Ukraine’s presidential adviser, Mykhailo Podolyak, stated that the incident shows Russia’s effort to prepare large-scale provocations that would be blamed on Ukraine to distract from Ukraine’s offensive.
This incident followed the detention of so-called Ukrainian saboteurs in Crimea, prompting Podolyak to suggest that a large-scale terrorist provocation was coming. On Wednesday, the Kremlin accused Ukrainian military forces of flying two drones carrying explosive devices towards Moscow’s government buildings. The drones were reportedly identified as the Federation Council building and the Russian President’s office. Both drones were captured after swerving away from their targets.
The use of drones in terrorist attacks has been anticipated for some time in the West; however, few experts considered the possibility of an attack on the Kremlin using unmanned devices, highlighting the evolving nature of the threat.
Russian officials have presented no evidence to support their accusations against Ukraine. The incident is expected to escalate the already tense relationship between the two countries. The alleged attack immediately prompted calls in Russia from pro-Kremlin figures to carry out assassinations on senior leadership in Ukraine.
The Kremlin claims that the attack was planned to disrupt Victory Day on May 9 – a day of great national significance in Russia, commemorating the end of World War II. As such, there are concerns that this incident could be the first in a series of possible drone attacks aimed at disrupting the parade.
Meanwhile, reports of fresh fighting in eastern Ukraine have been circulating as pro-Russian separatists begin a major new offensive. The US has announced plans to send Ukraine $300m in additional military aid, including an enormous number of artillery rounds, howitzers, air-to-ground rockets, and ammunition. This escalation of military aid is likely to further inflame tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
In conclusion, the alleged drone attack on the Kremlin marks a significant escalation in the already heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine. While Ukraine has denied any involvement, the incident is likely to provoke a sharp response from Moscow, leading to additional animosity between the two countries. This ongoing conflict shows the transition from traditional military tactics to the use of unmanned aerial systems and highlights the evolving nature of the threat that drones pose.
