The Kremlin has accused Kyiv of attempting a drone strike on its compound in an effort to assassinate Russian President Vladimir Putin. Moscow stated that two drones were used in the attack but were disabled by Russian defenses.

A disputed attack on the Kremlin

In an official statement, the Kremlin referred to the incident as a planned terrorist act and an attempt on the life of the Russian president. The press service reported that debris from the drone fell within the Kremlin’s territory, but there were no casualties or material damage. They also noted that Russia reserves the right to retaliate when and where it deems appropriate.

During the alleged drone attack on the Kremlin, Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, confirmed that the president remained unharmed. He also revealed that Putin was not present at the Kremlin during the incident, but rather at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denied Ukraine’s involvement in the attack, emphasizing that they only defend their towns and cities on their territory. He deferred to a future tribunal for judgment on the matter.

Local resistance forces or state actor?

Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to the Ukrainian president, also denied Ukraine’s involvement and suggested that the attack was the result of local resistance forces. He pointed out that Ukraine is exclusively engaged in a defensive war and does not attack targets within the Russian Federation.

Speculation on the drone’s origin ranges from Chinese-made Mugin-5 drones to Ukrainian-made UJ-22 drones. Both types have similar speed and range capabilities, making identification difficult.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that he has seen reports of the drone attack but cannot validate them. He emphasized that it is Ukraine’s decision on how to defend itself.

The alleged attack occurred just days before the 9 May Victory Day parade, an annual display of Russian military power commemorating the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. Despite the incident, the Kremlin confirmed that the parade will proceed as planned in Moscow.

Several Russian officials and pro-Kremlin analysts have called for Putin to take retaliatory measures against Ukraine. Vyacheslav Volodin, the chair of the State Duma, urged for the “Kyiv regime” to be labeled as terrorists and destroyed. Meanwhile, Sergei Markov, a former Kremlin adviser, similarly called for Moscow to “destroy the Ukrainian regime.”