Russia has accused Ukraine of attempting to assassinate President Vladimir Putin by launching two drones toward the Kremlin. The devices were allegedly put out of action before they could cause any damage or injury, but the Kremlin has called the incident a “planned terrorist act” and warned of possible retaliatory measures. An unverified video on Russian social media showed pale smoke rising behind the Kremlin Palace after the purported incident.
Moscow’s mayor has responded by announcing a ban on unauthorized drone flights over the Russian capital unless a special permit has been obtained from the government. The Kremlin has also said that the May 9 Victory Day parade in Moscow will go ahead despite the incident. Victory Day is a significant anniversary for Putin, who often uses the occasion to boost patriotic sentiment.
The Russian security services are reportedly working to ensure that the parade can go ahead safely despite the risk of a threat from Ukraine. Russian energy, logistics, and military facilities have previously been hit by drone and other attacks, which Moscow has blamed on Ukraine. Kyiv has not officially taken responsibility for these attacks but has made cryptic or sarcastic comments welcoming them as it resists what it sees as Russian aggression. Despite the recent incident, Ukraine has denied any involvement in an attempted assassination of Putin.
Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have been high since 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea and a conflict broke out between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of thousands of people, and several ceasefires have failed to bring a feeling of lasting peace.
The recent escalation in drone attacks has added to concerns that the conflict may escalate further, leading to more casualties and instability in the region. The accusations of attempted assassination and the ban on unauthorized drone flights in Moscow highlight the growing threat posed by drones to security and stability. Drones can be used to conduct surveillance, carry out attacks and disrupt infrastructure, making them a powerful tool for those seeking to cause chaos and harm. As drones become cheaper and more widely available, governments and security services will need to develop effective strategies for countering the threat they pose.
