Drones allegedly launched by Ukrainian forces aim at Moscow on the eve of Putin's Victory Day Parade, according to Russian official statements.
In a glaring display preceding Russia's annual Victory Day parade, four drones were bringdown late in the night, according to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin and the Russian Defense Ministry, on May 5. The drones were shot down near Podolsk, south of the capital, causing no casualties or damage but disrupting operations at Moscow's airports, as suggested by videos shared on Russian social media that captured the sound of air defense systems in the area.
The Russian Defense Ministry further reported the interception of 17 drones over Bryansk Oblast and five more over Kaluga Oblast, reinforcing suspicion of a coordinated attack. The Ukrainian government has yet to comment on these reported attacks, and The Kyiv Independent could not verify the Russian claims.
The strategic timing of these attacks raises speculation, as they coincide with Russia's May 9 Victory Day celebrations, commemorating the Soviet Union's role in defeating Nazi Germany in World War II. In fact, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had earlier warned of Russia potentially staging provocations, such as "arsons, explosions, or other actions," around the event and attempting to blame Ukraine.
The drone attack comes as Russia announced a unilateral "humanitarian truce" from May 8 to May 11 - a move dismissed by Zelensky as a "theatrical performance," accusing Russia of manipulating international perception while continuing its attacks before and after the truce. This ceasefire, along with previous ones announced by Moscow, have all been violated.
Interestingly, this year's Victory Day is expected to feature a military parade in Moscow's Red Square, with foreign guests invited, albeit many Western officials have declined the invitation. In a symbolic counter, Ukraine has invited senior EU officials to Kyiv that day.
The ongoing conflict between the two nations has shown Ukraine employing asymmetric warfare tactics in response to Russia's full-scale invasion. The drone attacks could symbolize an attempt to extend this strategy, leveraging psychological impact and military disruption ahead of key symbolic dates like the Victory Day. While Ukraine hasn't formally claimed responsibility, the scale and coordination of the strikes hint at organized efforts from the Ukrainian side.
- Amidst the backdrop of war-and-conflicts, Moscow's airports faced disruptions due to a coordinated drone attack nearly the Victory Day parade, with four drones being shot down in the capital.
- The drone attacks, occurring in conjunction with Russia's May 9 Victory Day celebrations, have fueled speculation in the realm of politics and general news, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier warning of possible provocations.
- In a move dismissed as a "theatrical performance," Russia announced a unilateral "humanitarian truce" around the Victory Day, which has been repeatedly violated, raising questions about the sincerity of ceasefires in the ongoing war-and-conflicts.
- As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine persists, the drone attacks might signify an extension of Ukraine's asymmetric warfare tactics, aiming for psychological impact and military disruption on key symbolic dates like the Victory Day, although Ukraine has not officially acknowledged responsibility.
