Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have escalated once again, with Ukraine being accused of attempting to assassinate Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to state-run news agency RIA, Ukraine launched a drone strike on the Kremlin, which was foiled thanks to timely actions by the military and special services using radar warfare systems.
The Kremlin responded strongly to the incident, regarding it as a planned terrorist act and an assassination attempt on the President, which occurred on the eve of Victory Day and the May 9 parade. Despite this, Putin’s press secretary stated that the President was not injured, and his work schedule would continue as usual.
Dmitry Peskov, the presidential spokesperson, clarified that Putin was not in the Kremlin at the time of the attack and was instead working in his residence near Moscow in Novo-Ogaryovo. Plans for the May 9 parade on Red Square remained in place despite the incident.
The Russian side did not present any evidence of the reported incident, and the statement included few details. However, an unverified video circulating on Russian social media allegedly showed pale smoke rising behind the main Kremlin Palace in the walled citadel after the purported incident.
The accusations against Ukraine are likely to escalate tensions between the two countries, which have been engaged in a long-standing conflict over Ukraine’s desire for closer ties with the West. In recent weeks, there have been renewed clashes between Ukrainian government forces and pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.
Ukraine has denied any involvement in the alleged drone strike, with President Volodymyr Zelensky stating that the accusations were “unfounded and provocative”. The Ukrainian foreign ministry also issued a statement condemning the accusations, stating that they were part of Russia’s ongoing disinformation campaign against Ukraine.
The incident comes amid growing concerns over Russia’s military buildup near Ukraine’s borders, which has been described as the largest since the conflict between the two countries began in 2014. The United States and its allies have expressed support for Ukraine, with President Joe Biden pledging to stand with Ukraine against Russian aggression.
The situation remains tense, and it is unclear how Russia will respond to the alleged assassination attempt. The incident highlights the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which shows no signs of abating anytime soon.
