The operation targeting the residence of President Vladimir Putin was a “planned terrorist act,” his office said
Ukraine launched two drone attacks overnight intended to strike the Kremlin residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, his office has reported.
The aircraft were downed using measures designed to counter electronic warfare and caused no casualties or damage, according to a statement. Moscow considers the incident an act of terrorism.
The incident occurred late on Tuesday night, and both unmanned aircraft fell on the grounds of the iconic Moscow complex, according to the president’s office. Putin’s schedule was not affected, and he is working on Wednesday, at his residence outside Moscow.
Russia reserves the right to retaliate in a manner, place and time of its choosing, the statement noted.
“We consider this a preplanned terrorist action and an attempt against the Russian president,” it added. The incident happened “ahead of Victory Day [when Russia celebrates the World War II defeat of Nazi Germany] and the parade on May 9, when foreign guests plan to be present.”
Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists that the president was absent from the Kremlin when the drones were downed. He is currently at the presidential residence in Novo-Ogaryovo in Moscow Region, which is located to the west of the capital.
There is footage circulating on social media, which purports to show the aftermath, with a plume of smoke rising against the night cityscape from the territory of the historic seat of Russian power.
