May 4, AFP – Russia announced on the 3rd that it had shot down two unmanned aircraft that had attempted to attack the presidential palace (Kremlin) in the capital Moscow in the early hours of the same day. Ukraine called the attack a “terrorist” attack aimed at assassinating President Vladimir Putin.

The Ukrainian government said it had “nothing to do with” the attack, suggesting it was Russia’s own initiative. The US government also says that Russia’s claims should not be accepted.

Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin was working at his official residence on the outskirts of Moscow at the time. The Russian government said no one was injured in the attack. “Russia has the right to take retaliatory measures wherever and whenever it deems necessary,” the presidential office said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is visiting Finland, denied involvement in the attack. “Such engineered intelligence from Russia should only be considered as preparation for a major terrorist attack against Ukraine,” Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukraine’s president, said in a statement.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he “cannot confirm” the authenticity of Russia’s claims, but added, “I would treat any claims made by the Russian government with the utmost suspicion.” (c)AFP