The Kremlin on Wednesday accused Ukraine of trying to assassinate President Vladimir Putin after a drone was downed by the Russian air defences over the residence of Putin in Moscow. “Two unmanned aerial vehicles targeted the Kremlin. Timely action by the military and special services involving radar systems enabled them to disable the devices,” the Kremlin stated in a release.
The statement said the drones crashed in the Kremlin grounds and scattered fragments without causing any casualties or damage.
The Kremlin called the incident a “planned terrorist attack” carried out ahead of the Victory Day parade in Moscow, where foreign dignitaries are expected to arrive. “The President has not suffered in this terrorist attack. His working schedule remains unchanged and follows its ordinary course,” it noted.
The release concluded that Russia “reserves the right to take countermeasures wherever and whenever it deems appropriate.”
Footage circulating on social media showed an unmanned aerial vehicle hurtling towards the Kremlin. However, the object explodes before crashing, possibly shot down by Russian defences.
While Moscow has accused Kyiv, an unnamed security official told the BBC that the incident shows that Russia is “preparing a large-scale terrorist provocation” in Ukraine, indicating that the attack could have been staged.
Putin Assassination Attempt: Russia Blames Ukraine for Failed Drone Attack
The Kremlin called the incident a “planned terrorist attack” carried out ahead of the Victory Day parade in Moscow, where foreign dignitaries are expected to arrive.
May 3, 2023
IMAGE SOURCE: RTScreenshot of drone exploding above Kremlin, 3 May 2023