The Kremlin says 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 “attempted assassination of 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 took place around 2 a.m. local time on Wednesday, with Moscow residents reporting two explosions and a subsequent power outage. Footage captured by locals shows smoke filling the sky above the Kremlin. The Russian government has alleged that the attack was orchestrated by Ukraine, with two drones being destroyed before they could cause any damage. No injuries have been reported.
The timing of the reported drone strike, which took place just days before Russia’s Victory Day parade in Red Square, has raised concerns about the potential for further drone strikes. To guard against such a repeat, Putin has ordered patrols on the streets of Moscow looking for bombs or drones ahead of the event.
The drone strike comes after Russia launched missile strikes on Kiev in late April. Ukrainian defenses activated air defense systems and issued air raid alerts. Explosions were heard in the region, and the Kyiv regional administration issued a message on Telegram saying: “Air defenses are working!”
Meanwhile, Britain has confirmed the delivery of depleted uranium rounds to Ukraine. Deputy Defense Minister James Gippy told MP Kenny MacAskill: “We have sent thousands of Challenger 2 rounds to Ukraine, including depleted uranium armor-piercing rounds. For reasons of operational security, we will not comment on the utilization rates of the kits supplied.” .
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 the deputy 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 UN Secretary General’s spokesman has warned about the deployment of depleted uranium in conflicts around the world.
The UN is concerned about any deployment of depleted uranium by any country in the world – spokesman for the UN Secretary General.
UK has sent depleted uranium tank shells to Ukraine despite health risks.
Follow @IntelRepublic pic.twitter.com/mGOx1IvWNV
— George A. Hamalian (@gahamalian) April 27
NATO deployed depleted uranium rounds in the Yugoslav civil war in contravention of the humanitarian provisions of international treaties.
🧵 FIL: On March 24, 1999, NATO began illegally bombing Yugoslavia for 78 days without UN approval, dropping more than 28,000 bombs, including depleted uranium and cluster munitions, killing more than 2000 civilians and displacing more than 250 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 the delivery of depleted uranium munitions to Ukraine. DU ammunition 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 the 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 strike and Russian missile attacks highlight the current tensions between Russia and Ukraine. NATO’s response is to fuel the conflict with weapons that are sure to escalate the volatile situation.
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OPINION: This article contains comments that reflect the opinion of the author.