The Kremlin’s Response to the Alleged US-Backed Drone Attack: Russia Considers Retaliation

The Drone Attack on Kremlin: Russia Blames the US for the Alleged Attack

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov blamed the US on Thursday for what Russia says is an attempt by Ukraine to assassinate Russian President Vladimir Putin – and said retaliation was being considered.

“The attempts to deny it both in Kiev and in Washington are, of course, completely ridiculous,” Peskov said. “We know very well that decisions about such actions and similar terrorist attacks are not made in Kiev, but in Washington.”

Kiev dismissed the accusation as a fabricated pretext by Moscow to justify massive strikes on Ukrainian cities. Asked about Russia’s claims on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Peskov was “just lying.

I can assure you that the United States was not involved in any way,” Kirby said. “Whatever it was, it was none of our business.

Peskov declined to provide details on possible retaliation, suggesting only “considered steps that correspond to the interests of our country.” Moscow presented no evidence of Ukrainian or US involvement in the drone strikes, but launched a missile and drone attack on Kiev for the third time in four days.

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U.S. intelligence officials are still trying to determine who was behind the drone incident and are exploring various possibilities, the official told The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity about the sensitive matter.

The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War said several indicators suggested the strike was internally managed and purposefully staged “in an effort to bring the war home to Russian domestic audiences” and increase public support for more conscription and more casualties.

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Moscow says its defenses shot down two drones in an attempted attack early Wednesday on the Kremlin residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was outside Moscow at the time and his office said he was not hit. Ukraine refused to participate.

We are not attacking Putin or Moscow,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi said. “We are fighting on our own territory, defending our villages and towns.

A “No Drone Zone” sign just outside the Kremlin in central Moscow on May 3, 2023.
Development:

∙ Ukraine’s National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption has labeled Hungary’s OTP Bank an “international sponsor of war,” citing the bank’s decision to continue operations in Russia.

∙ Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev called for the “physical liquidation” of Zelensky. Medvedev, who served one term as Russia’s president, cited what Russia considers to be recent terrorist attacks. He added that Zelenskyi was not required to sign the “unconditional surrender of Ukraine”.

∙ Apparent attacks on Russian fuel networks in or near occupied Crimea are “likely to force adjustments” to military refueling operations, the UK Ministry of Defense wrote in its daily assessment of the war.

Odessa hit by drone strikes; Ukraine suspects retaliation
Three Russian drones that struck the southern Ukrainian city of Odessa early Thursday appear to have been sent in retaliation for a reported attack on the Kremlin, Ukraine’s military said. Kiev was also targeted by air strikes for the third time in four days.

Kirby told reporters Thursday that the current Russian strikes are not new, but rather part of a “continuous barrage” of attacks, and the U.S. is trying to help Ukraine repel them by focusing on air defense capabilities.

The fiercest fighting in Ukraine continues to take place in Bakhmut and nearby towns in Donetsk province, military officials said. Ukraine’s air force intercepted 18 of the 24 Iranian drones launched by Russian forces in various regions overall, and no casualties were reported, the military said.

On Thursday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused the U.S. of being responsible for the alleged assassination attempt on Russian President Vladimir Putin, and indicated that retaliation options were being considered. Peskov dismissed Kyiv’s and Washington’s attempts to disown the attack as ridiculous, claiming that decisions regarding such actions were made in Washington. The U.S. has denied any involvement and is still seeking to determine who was behind the drone incident. Moscow has not presented any evidence of Ukrainian or U.S. involvement in the drone strikes, but it launched a missile and drone assault on Kyiv for the third time in four days. The Institute for the Study of War believes that the strike was internally conducted and staged to increase public support for more call-ups and other sacrifices. Ukraine has denied involvement in the attack.

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