Kremlin says Putin survived assassination attempt overnight
The Russian presidential administration announced on Wednesday that the Kremlin had been attacked by drones overnight in an attempt to take the life of President Vladimir Putin.
Moscow residents had reported hearing two explosions behind the Kremlin walls just after 2 a.m. local time, after which the lights went out. Footage shared by residents on a local Telegram channel captured the incident as smoke filled the sky over the Kremlin.
Now authorities say it was a brazen attack by Ukraine using two drones, both of which they say were destroyed.
According to the police, no injuries were reported TASS news agency.
The Kremlin, which has described the incident as a “planned terrorist attack” and “assassination of the Russian President”, is now threatening “retaliatory measures”.
It’s unclear how a Ukrainian drone could have made it through Russian air defenses and into the heart of the capital.
The incident came just days before Russia’s premier Victory Day Parade in Red Square, an event authorities reportedly fear could be disrupted by drone strikes. Independent Russian media reported last week that utility workers were ordered to search the streets of Moscow for bombs or drones ahead of the event.
Ukrainian authorities have not yet commented on the alleged attack, but have previously denied carrying out any attacks on Russian territory.
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