Putin Responds to Drone Attack on Moscow, Blames Kyiv
Earlier this month, Russia blamed the U.S. and Kyiv for a drone attack on the Kremlin
Russian President Vladimir Putin blamed Ukraine for carrying out an early drone attack on Tuesday and said it is “a clear indication of terrorist activity.”
“The Kyiv regime ... attempts to intimidate Russian citizens and strikes at civilian buildings,” he said, according to The Associated Press.
Multiple drones struck targets in the city and damaged several buildings, according to video that emerged on social media and the city’s mayor.
Sergey Sobyanin, the mayor, ordered residents to evacuate residents from two apartment blocks, RT, the Russian news outlet, reported. The outlet, citing RIA Novosti, said two drones struck residential buildings and there is no immediate word on any injuries.
Jason Smart, a reporter for the Kyiv Post, took to Twitter to announce that there was a “major drone attack” on the city.
“For about an hour, Russian air defense has been trying to shoot down aircraft that are attacking the Russian capital, but have not always successfully - some have hit their targets,” he posted.
Putin said the drone attack was in response to Russia’s decision to strike Ukraine’s military intelligence headquarters a few days earlier, The AP said. Kyiv denied the claim.
Earlier this month, Russia blamed the U.S. and Kyiv for a drone attack on the Kremlin. Russia said it used radar warfare systems to neutralize the threat. There were no victims or material damage.
Western leaders, at least publicly, have told Ukraine not to use weapons provided to strike Russian territory. Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, said it is imperative to prevent a war between Russia and NATO, and the alliance is in agreement.
The Ukraine Reporter Twitter handle said a drone was spotted over the village of Ilinka, Krasnogorsk District.
“A resident captured a drone heading towards Moscow. Reports suggest around 10 UAVs have been brought down in Moscow and the Moscow region.”
Some social media users questioned if Russian President Vladimir Putin would use such an attack as a “false flag” to warrant a bolder response against Kyiv.
TRENDPOST: It is worth noting that the latest drone attack comes at a time Russian President Vladimir Putin is facing increased pressure to wage an all-out war against Ukraine.