Russia-Ukraine War: Kremlin Claims Kyiv Tried to Assassinate Putin With Drone Attack

Russia accused Ukraine of attempting to assassinate President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, heightening tensions between the two countries.

According to the Kremlin, two drones were employed in the assault on the building, but Russian defenses rendered them inoperable, causing debris to fall on the Kremlin grounds.

Russia described the Kremlin drone attack as a deliberate terrorist attack and an attempt on President Putin's life.

Unverified footage of the Kremlin drone attack that has been going viral on social media purports to show smoke coming out of the Kremlin overnight. Another footage showed an explosion when a drone struck the roofs of structures within the walled Kremlin complex.

The Kremlin claims there were no deaths or damage from the strike.

While reserving the right to retaliate, hardliners demanded immediate action against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to Reuters.

Vladimir Putin was reportedly in the Novo-Ogaryovo state house at the time of the assault, according to Dmitry Peskov, the president's spokesman.

Ukraine Denies Involvement in the Kremlin Drone Attack

Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, denied any involvement by Ukraine in the assault and attributed the Kremlin drone attack to "local resistance forces," The Guardian reported.

Ukrainian presidential spokesperson Serhiy Nikiforov said that the Kremlin drone attack incident was intended to raise tensions between Russia and Ukraine before May 9.

Foreign dignitaries were set to attend Russia's May 9 Victory Day parade at the time of the event. Russian news outlets stated that the ceremony would go on as scheduled.

On Wednesday, Sergei Sobyanin, the mayor of Moscow, declared a prohibition on unsanctioned drone flights over the city, stating that flying drones would necessitate a special government license, per the BBC.

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Russia, Ukraine, Vladimir putin