In the Kremlin statement, it was reported that two drones targeted the presidential residence. Vladimir Putin was not inside the building at the time and escaped injury.
Authorities described the devices as neutralized through timely measures by the armed forces and special services, aided by radar warfare systems.
The press service conveyed that there was no loss of life or property damage resulting from the drones’ crash and fragmentation.
The Kremlin characterized the incident as a planned terrorist act and an attempted strike on the president, noting that it occurred during the 9 May events, just before Victory Day when foreign guests were expected to attend.
It was stressed that Putin’s work schedule remained unchanged and that he continued with his official duties as usual.
The presidential press service added that Russia reserves the right to take retaliatory measures at any place and time it deems appropriate.
Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Putin was not at the residence at that moment. He noted that the politician was working from his Novo-Ogaryovo residence near Moscow.
Discussing Victory Day, Peskov said that Russian security forces are taking all necessary steps to safeguard the celebrations. When asked about potential sabotage by the Kiev regime, he indicated awareness of such threats and the need for vigilance against further attacks.
Despite the security concerns, the Victory Parade would proceed on Red Square as planned, with Putin participating. The security operation described aims to eliminate any threats to Russia, and in early April, security measures for the parade were heightened.
Shortly before news broke about the Kremlin incident, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin announced a Telegram post outlining a ban on launching unmanned aerial vehicles in the city from May 3, with exemptions for UAVs used by state authorities. The measure targeted preventing unauthorized drones from interfering with law enforcement activities.
Sobyanin warned that unauthorized drone launches constitute a crime and carry administrative or criminal penalties.
The Kremlin did not offer a stance for or against the drone launch recommendations in Moscow, noting that such matters fall under the responsibility of the security services.
Dmitry Peskov emphasized that security services are the primary actors in maintaining safety and public order rather than political endorsements of drone policies.
Ukraine’s position was conveyed by Serhiy Nikiforov, the president’s press secretary, who denied any involvement by Kyiv in the Kremlin incident. He asserted that Ukraine directs its resources to reclaiming its own territory rather than attacking others, underscoring the focus on defense and sovereignty.