Russian President Vladimir Putin has promised retaliation against Ukrainian drone strikes on Moscow. The Russian president accused Ukraine of engaging in “terrorist activity” and deliberately provoking Russia to respond with equal measure.
Russian President Putin vowed to retaliate for what he said was a Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow.
The Russian Ministry of Defense says they shot down eight drones. NBC News cannot independently verify that information.@mollymhunter has the latest. pic.twitter.com/1XZkN3At6T
— NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt (@NBCNightlyNews) May 30, 2023
Early Tuesday morning, the Moscow region was demolished as multiple armed Ukrainian drones repeatedly targeted the area. According to Russian authorities, at least eight drones managed to penetrate the defense systems, causing damage to several buildings.
The Russian Defense Ministry swiftly responded, reporting that five of the attacking drones were successfully intercepted and neutralized, while three others were electronically jammed, rendering them ineffective. Fortunately, no casualties were reported as a result of this attack, confirmed Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin.
Putin refrained from disclosing specific details regarding Moscow’s planned response to the drone strikes. However, he categorically denied any Russian involvement in attacks on civilian targets within Ukraine. In his address, Putin also made references to a potential nuclear escalation, alleging Ukraine’s attempted attack on a nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhya.
“These actions by the Ukrainian government are clear indications of terrorist activity, designed to intimidate Russia and target civilian infrastructure,” Putin asserted. As a precautionary measure, Moscow’s air defense capabilities will be bolstered to ensure the safety and security of the capital.
In response, Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, denied Ukraine’s involvement in the drone attack. However, Podolyak warned that Ukraine remains vigilant and expects further incidents to unfold. “We are closely monitoring the situation and prepared to address any developments,” he affirmed.
The strike on Moscow occurred amidst a series of Russian offensives targeting Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, and several other cities. Acting Ukrainian Internal Affairs Minister Ihor Klymenko reported these recent attacks resulted in the loss of four lives, with 34 individuals requiring hospitalization.
The ongoing conflict has taken a significant toll on both sides, with Ukraine’s Armed Forces estimating over 207,000 Russian soldiers have been killed or wounded since the war began. The international community has expressed growing concerns over the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
Diplomatic efforts are underway to de-escalate the situation, with various countries and organizations urging restraint and a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
