HELSINKI: Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, has refuted claims that his country launched a drone strike on the Kremlin, which Russia claims was an attempt to kill President Vladimir Putin.
“We don’t target Moscow or Putin. We fight on our territory. We are defending our towns and villages,” he declared on a visit to Finland, according to the BBC.
Kremlin, the office of the Russian president, reported its defences shot down two drones overnight. it threatened to take action in retaliation when it deemed appropriate.
An unconfirmed video making the rounds online early on Wednesday morning shows smoke billowing above the Kremlin, a sizable government complex in the heart of Moscow. Two individuals can be seen climbing up the dome as a tiny explosion is visible over the Senate building at the scene in a second video.
“The Kremlin home of Vladimir Putin has been targeted by Ukraine,” according to the Russian presidency, which called it “a planned terrorist act and an attempt at assassination on the president.”
President Putin was not there at the time of the purported attack, according to officials, who also claimed that two drones that were aiming at the complex had been neutralised using electronic radar capabilities.
However, Ukraine claims that Russia’s accusations are just a cover for massive attacks on its territory, and the US said that it is treating Russia’s claims very cautiously.
Putin seems to be one of the world’s most tightly guarded leaders. BBC journalists have been permitted to attend Putin events in Moscow, but there has been incredibly strict security in place, including lengthy inspections, blocked skies, and delayed transportation.
The president’s actual level of security will come under scrutiny if what the Kremlin is claiming is accurate.
The efficacy of the Russian air defences will also be under close examination. Anti-aircraft systems have recently been seen on Moscow roofs, close to important structures.
They were put there because the Kremlin is worried that Ukraine or others who support Ukraine would try to launch aerial assaults on important locations.
Regardless of what actually transpired on Wednesday morning, the focus now is on Russia’s response. A number of authorities have already demanded drastic measures. Russian generals have frequently threatened severe retaliation for any attacks on their land.
However, it is uncertain whether Russia has the capability to launch meaningful retaliatory attacks or whether this incident will result in any appreciable escalation on the Ukrainian battlefield.
According to a Ukrainian presidential adviser, the event might be a sign that Russia is “preparing for a major terrorist provocation” in Ukraine, the BBC said.
Attacking Moscow, according to Mykhailo Podolyak, would be counterproductive for Ukraine but would help Russia defend its own assaults on civilian targets.
