Russia Seeks Retaliation After Drones Target Moscow
Moscow was hit by two drones early on Monday, causing damage to several buildings, including one close to the Defense Ministry’s headquarters. Russia labeled the act as a brazen act of terror and vowed to take harsh retaliatory measures against Ukraine. No injuries were reported in the attack, but it served as a significant symbolic blow as it struck close to the military building where Russia holds its briefings on special military operations.
The aftermath of the incident showed blown-out windows on the top two floors of an office building, temporarily closed roads near the targeted areas, and scattered debris on the ground. Witnesses described feeling the blast and everything shaking as a result. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that another “helicopter-type drone” fell on a cemetery outside Moscow without carrying explosives. They assured that those responsible for the attack would be found and punished accordingly.
The Moscow drone attack, while not causing significant human casualties or widespread damage, marks the most high-profile instance of its kind since two drones reached the Kremlin in May. The Russian Defense Ministry also reported that a swarm of 17 drones launched attacks on Crimea overnight. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. The Russian-installed head of Crimea claimed that an ammunition warehouse was struck and residential buildings were damaged.
The Russian Federation considers these drone attacks as another use of terrorist methods and intimidation by Ukraine’s military and political leadership. As a result, Russia reserves the right to take harsh retaliatory measures. Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian President and current deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, expressed the need for broader and unexpected targets to be struck in Ukraine.
In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy promised a retaliation to “Russian terrorists” on Sunday, referring to Russian missile strikes against targets in the port city of Odesa. He claimed that the strikes were payback for a Ukrainian attack on the Crimean Bridge, which resulted in the death of a young girl’s parents.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate, with both sides resorting to drone attacks and other unconventional methods. The situation is likely to intensify as investigations determine the source of the drones and any possible involvement of pro-Ukrainian saboteurs inside Russia.
Authorities in both countries are on high alert as tensions rise, with the potential for further strikes and increased military operations on the horizon. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and urging for a peaceful resolution.