Russia has accused Ukraine of attempting to assassinate President Vladimir Putin by launching a drone attack on the Kremlin. The Russian government claimed to have shot down two drones aimed at the presidential palace. While Putin was not on the premises at the time of the attempted attack, Russia has considered it a "planned terrorist act and an attempt on the life of the President of the Russian Federation."
Ukraine, however, denied any involvement in the incident. Presidential spokesman Mikhaylo Podolyak said, "Ukraine has nothing to do with drone attacks on the Kremlin. Ukraine does not attack the Kremlin because, firstly, that does not solve any military aims."
Despite the incident, Moscow announced that the May 9 Victory Day parade would proceed in Moscow as planned. Victory Day is a significant anniversary for Putin, who often evokes the spirit and sacrifice that helped the Soviet Union repel Hitler's Nazis.
This alleged drone attack is just the latest incident in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Moscow has launched a "special military operation" in Ukraine, leading to attacks on Russian energy, logistics, and military facilities. Kyiv has not officially taken responsibility for these attacks, but they have often welcomed them as a form of resistance against what they call a Russian war of conquest.
The Russian government has reserved the right to retaliate, indicating that they may use the alleged drone attack as justification for further escalation in the 14-month-old conflict. The incident has also prompted Moscow's mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, to announce a ban on unauthorized drone flights over the Russian capital, except with a special permit from government authorities.
The unverified video footage of the alleged drone attack circulating on Russian social media shows smoke rising behind the main Kremlin Palace after the purported incident. Another clip depicts one of the drones being shot down by Russia just above the dome of the presidential palace.
The alleged drone attack on the Kremlin has raised concerns about the increasing use of drones in warfare and assassination attempts. While the use of drones has become increasingly common in military operations, the prospect of using them for targeted assassinations is a new development.
In conclusion, the alleged drone attack on the Kremlin has escalated tensions between Russia and Ukraine. While Ukraine has denied any involvement in the incident, the Russian government has reserved the right to retaliate, which may lead to further escalation in the ongoing conflict. The incident has also highlighted the growing use of drones in warfare and the potential for their use in targeted assassinations.
