MOSCOW – The Kremlin has denounced attempted Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow as “acts of terrorism,” particularly in light of the upcoming 80th-anniversary commemorations of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany.
According to Moscow’s mayor, Russian air defense forces successfully intercepted 14 Ukrainian drones on Wednesday, marking the third consecutive day that Kyiv has targeted the Russian capital.
The drone attacks caused the temporary closure of most of Moscow’s airports, occurring just hours before Chinese President Xi Jinping was scheduled to arrive for a visit that Kyiv has publicly opposed.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, in a call with reporters, stated that “The Kyiv regime continues to demonstrate its essence, its propensity for terrorist acts.”
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Peskov emphasized that Russia is taking all necessary precautions to ensure the security of the commemorations, which are expected to be attended by world leaders, including the presidents of Brazil and China.
The main event, a military parade on Moscow’s Red Square, is scheduled to take place on Friday.
Peskov assured that “All necessary measures are being taken by our intelligence services and our military to ensure that the celebration of the Great Victory is held in a calm, stable and peaceful environment.”
When questioned about Russia’s response to the attempted drone strikes, Peskov reiterated that Russia’s proposal for a three-day ceasefire with Ukraine surrounding the celebrations remains in effect.
The Kremlin has stated that Russia will adhere to the ceasefire but will respond if attacked by Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has dismissed the proposed ceasefire as meaningless, instead offering an unconditional ceasefire for at least 30 days, in accordance with a U.S. proposal made in March.
Ukrainian officials reported that Russia launched a heavy drone and missile attack on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities overnight, resulting in the deaths of a mother and her son in the capital.
