Russia accuses Ukraine of attempting to assassinate Vladimir Putin with drones
R
ussian authorities have accused Ukraine of attacking the Kremlin with drones in a single day in a failed bid to assassinate President Vladimir Putin.
The Kremlin mentioned on Wednesday two drones had been used within the alleged assault on Putin’s residence within the Kremlin citadel, however had been disabled by digital Russian defences earlier than they may strike.
The Kremlin mentioned it thought of the assault an act of terrorism and reserved the precise to retaliate, state-run RIA news company reported.
“Two unmanned aerial vehicles were aimed at the Kremlin. As a result of timely actions taken by the military and special services with the use of radar warfare systems, the devices were put out of action,” the Kremlin mentioned in an announcement.
“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.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov advised Russia’s state news company RIA Novosti that Putin wasn’t within the Kremlin on the time and was working from the Novo-Ogaryovo residence.
Putin was not injured, and there was no materials injury to the Kremlin buildings, the Kremlin mentioned, including that the President’s schedule was unchanged following the incident.
“The Russian side reserves the right to take retaliatory measures where and when it sees fit,” it mentioned.
An unverified video circulating on Russian social media together with the channel of the navy news outlet Zvezda confirmed pale smoke rising behind the primary Kremlin Palace within the walled citadel after the purported incident. There have been no speedy remark from Ukrainian authorities.
The Kremlin didn’t current any proof from the reported incident, and its assertion included few particulars.Kremlin spokesman Peskov mentioned a navy parade would happen as scheduled on Thursday, when Russia will maintain its annual Victory Day celebrations.
Victory Day is a key anniversary for President Vladimir Putin, commemorating the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany throughout the Second World War.
But Russia has already scaled back this year’s festivities, citing considerations they may very well be focused by pro-Ukrainian saboteurs.