The State Department says that it is “unable to substantiate” the authenticity of a video purporting to indicate a drone assault on the Kremlin.
State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel was responding to claims from Russian authorities officers who stated that Ukrainian forces tried to kill President Vladimir Putin by a failed drone assault.
“We are conscious of those, however unable to substantiate the authenticity of this,” Patel stated throughout a press convention Wednesday. “We’re persevering with to evaluate this and make sure the authenticity.”
Russian officers stated that two drones had been used within the alleged “assassination try” at Putin’s residence throughout the Kremlin compound. Russian protection programs disabled the drones, the officers added.
RUSSIA CLAIMS PUTIN TARGETED IN DRONE ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT, AS VIDEOS CIRCULATE ONLINE
Russian President Vladimir Putin is seen Wednesday, May 3, 2023. A drone is purportedly shot down over the Kremlin. (AP/Ostorozhno Novosti)
No accidents or harm was reported because of the alleged incident, and Putin was seen Wednesday in photos launched by the Russian authorities.
Repeating Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s feedback on the incident, Patel stated that something coming from the Kremlin ought to be taken with a “shaker of salt.”
“But all through this, it is vital to recollect a few issues. First, Russia invaded Ukraine. It did so unprovoked. They began this warfare they usually might finish it as we speak in the event that they pulled their troops out,” Patel stated.
Patel additionally famous that “Russia continues to fireside missiles and drones at Ukraine each week.”
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The Grand Kremlin palace, left, and the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Moscow, Russia, Feb. 15, 2022. Russia introduced the beginning of a pullback of some forces after drills that raised U.S. and European alarm a couple of potential navy assault on Ukraine. (Andrey Rudakov/Bloomberg by way of Getty Images, File)
In experiences from state media outlet RIA, the Kremlin described the incident as a “terrorist motion” and threatened retaliation in Ukraine.
“The Kremlin has assessed these actions as a deliberate terrorist act and an assassination try on the president on the eve of Victory Day, the May 9 Parade,” RIA stated.
Office of the President of Ukraine advisor Mykhailo Podolyak stated the drone incident is getting used as a false flag as a way to justify retaliation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin addresses the nation in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. (Russian Presidential Press Service by way of AP)
“Russia is clearly getting ready a large-scale terrorist assault. That’s why it first detains a big allegedly subversive group in Crimea. And then it demonstrates ‘drones over the Kremlin,'” Podolyak stated.
Fox News’ Timothy Nerozzi contributed to this report.
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