Four individuals dressed in dark jackets attempted to launch a drone near the church of St. Demetrius, Metropolitan of Rostov, in Moscow, carrying a bottle attached to the drone. The report was shared by the Telegram channel Basis. The channel identifies these people as unknown, though they reportedly claimed to be employees of the Federal Security Service (FSB) before they fled when the church’s senior priest requested to see their identification. The sequence suggests a planned operation, with the group selecting a spot near the church’s ancillary buildings to stage their launch. The exact purpose of the bottle fixed to the drone remains unclear, and the amount or contents inside have not been disclosed by the authorities. The incident raises questions about the level of risk in sensitive urban zones and the potential for misuse of unmanned aerial systems in crowded religious settings. (Citation: Newspapers.Ru)
Earlier reports indicated that the drone crashed near a gas compressor station in the Moscow region, and subsequent updates indicated that the device contained explosives. The origin of the drone and the motives behind the crash have not been confirmed, leaving several important questions unanswered. Observers emphasize the need for a careful, evidence-based assessment before drawing conclusions about who was responsible for the incident or why the drone malfunctioned. The ongoing investigation is expected to clarify operational details, including the drone’s make, control methods, and whether the botched launch was connected to larger security concerns in the capital region. (Citation: Newspapers.Ru)