The Kremlin is claiming that an audacious attack by two drones was carried out on Wednesday night with the aim of assassinating Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to the country’s presidential administration.
Describing the incident as a “planned terrorist attack” and “assassination attempt on the president of Russia,” the Kremlin is now threatening to take “retaliatory measures.”
JUST IN – Russia says Ukraine tried to hit Kremlin with drones overnight in an assassination attempt on Putin.pic.twitter.com/xAS0BtTDzs
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) May 3, 2023
The attack reportedly took place on Wednesday at around 2 a.m. local time, with residents in Moscow reporting two explosions and a subsequent power outage. Footage captured by locals shows smoke filling the sky over the Kremlin. The Russian government has alleged that the attack was orchestrated by Ukraine, with both drones having been destroyed before they could cause any harm. No injuries have been reported.
The timing of the reported drone strike, which took place just days before Russia’s Victory Day parade on Red Square, has raised concerns about the potential for further drone attacks. To guard against such a reoccurrence, Putin has ordered patrols on the streets of Moscow in search of any bombs or drones ahead of the event.
The reported drone strike follows upon Russia launching missile attacks on Kyiv in late April. Ukrainian defenses activated air defense systems and issued air raid alerts. Explosions were heard in the region, prompting the Kyiv regional administration to issue a message on Telegram stating, “Air defenses are at work!”
Meanwhile, Great Britain has confirmed delivery of uranium depleted rounds to Ukraine. Deputy Minister of Defense James Gippy told MP Kenny MacAskill: “We sent thousands of Challenger 2 rounds to Ukraine, including armor-piercing rounds with depleted uranium. For reasons of operational security, we will not comment on the utilization rates of the supplied kits.”
London has already sent depleted uranium shells to Ukraine. This is stated in the response of the Deputy Minister of Defense of Great Britain James Gippy to the request of MP Kenny MacAskill:
“We sent thousands of Challenger 2 rounds to Ukraine, including armor-piercing rounds… pic.twitter.com/mWPdCK7xLO
— Spriter (@Spriter99880) April 25, 2023
The U.N. Secretary-General’s spokesman has warned about the deployment of depleted uranium in conflicts around the world.
UN concerned about any deployment of depleted uranium by any country anywhere in world – UN Secretary-General spokesman.
UK has sent depleted uranium tank shells to Ukraine despite health risks.
Subscribe @IntelRepublic pic.twitter.com/mGOx1IvWNV
— George A. Hamalian (@gahamalian) April 27, 2023
NATO deployed depleted uranium rounds in the Yugoslavian civil war in contravention of humanitarian provisions in international treaties.
🧵THREAD: On March 24, 1999, NATO began illegally bombing Yugoslavia for 78 days without the approval of the United Nations, dropping more than 28,000 bombs, including depleted uranium and cluster munitions, killing over 2000 civilians and displacing more than 250,000 people. pic.twitter.com/UC7iiFe3IU
— KanekoaTheGreat (@KanekoaTheGreat) May 3, 2023
Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. condemned the escalation.
In another reckless escalation, Britain has confirmed delivery of depleted uranium munitions to Ukraine. DU munitions should be banned. They partially vaporize on impact, poisoning the environment with uranium dust that causes cancer and horrific birth defects. #Kennedy24
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) May 3, 2023
“In another reckless escalation, Britain has confirmed delivery of depleted uranium munitions to Ukraine,” RFK Jr. said. “DU munitions should be banned. They partially vaporize on impact, poisoning the environment with uranium dust that causes cancer and horrific birth defects.
The Kremlin drone bombing incident and Russia’s missile strikes highlight the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. NATO’s response is to fuel the conflict with arms that are certain to escalate the volatile situation.