NEW DELHI: Russia on Wednesday said that it had thwarted an attack by Ukrainian drones on the Kremlin, which it referred to as a "terrorist" act and an unsuccessful assassination attempt on President Vladimir Putin, and promised retaliation.
However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denied the claim, saying that they do not attack Putin or Moscow. The incident allegedly occurred overnight, but there was no independent verification or evidence to support the Russian authorities' claims.
Additionally, there were concerns about the delayed reporting of the incident and the authenticity of the videos that surfaced later in the day.
Putin was not present in the Kremlin at the time and was at his Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside Moscow.
Here's a look at what we know about the alleged overnight drone attack on the Kremlin, and the questions it raises.
What happened?
In the early hours of Wednesday, two flying objects were seen on the same trajectory towards the dome of the Senate, one of the highest points in the Kremlin complex. The first object was destroyed with little more than a puff of smoke, while the second appeared to leave blazing wreckage on the dome. Russia claims it was a terrorist attack and an attempt to assassinate President Vladimir Putin, for which it says it reserves the right to retaliate. Ukraine denies responsibility and dismisses the idea that the attack was meant to kill Putin.
Could Ukraine have carried out the attack?
Possibly. Ukraine has previously mounted drone strikes deep inside Russia, including twice last December on an air base for Russian strategic bomber planes. If it was Ukraine, it would be the country's most audacious act to date.
Could it be a Russian 'false flag' operation?
Some Western analysts have suggested that it is possible that Russia might have staged the incident itself to pin the blame on Ukraine and justify some kind of crushing response.
What will the US make of it?
The Biden administration has poured cash and weapons into Ukraine to help it defend against Russia's invasion, but would likely be nervous of the unpredictable consequences that any Ukrainian attack on the Russian capital could entail. The White House said it had not been able to verify the Russian claim of a Ukrainian attack.
What is the significance of the timing?
The incident comes at a moment of high tension and a potential turning point in the war, as Ukraine prepares to mount a long-anticipated counter-offensive. It also coincides with preparations for Russia's Victory Day holiday on May 9, marked with a military parade across Red Square, under the Kremlin walls.
What happens next?
Russia has promised a significant response, with some officials calling for the use of "weapons capable of stopping and destroying the Kyiv terrorist regime." Western analysts question how far Russia can escalate, given the death and destruction it has already inflicted on Ukraine. Further strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure may be less effective now that spring has arrived, and disruption to grain supplies would hurt Russia's own allies.
(With inputs from agencies)
