On May 3rd, 2023, Russian media reported a drone strike on the Kremlin the previous night—the center of power for Russia and Vladimir Putin. This attack has flabbergasted Russian media, parliamentarians, military personnel, and the global community.

The first attack on Moscow since the German invasion in 1942, Russia has become more vulnerable than ever in a war the majority of the world assumed they would win decisively. Though not claiming responsibility, Ukraine has enhanced its intelligence apparatus and defense industry to strike swaths of Russia, anyplace and anytime.

Russian troops marching during the Russian Victory Day Parade (Mark MacKinnon). Source: https://twitter.com/markmackinnon/status/1523613173928005632
Russian troops marched during the Russian Victory Day Parade (Mark MacKinnon). Source: https://twitter.com/markmackinnon/status/1523613173928005632

The Strike

The drone strike on the Kremlin occurred on the night of May 2nd, in which Russian media reported it as an “assassination attempt on Putin.” The drone that struck the Kremlin did minimal damage and could not penetrate the building with its payload. However, the strike has raised more questions than answers to both Russia and the international community.

Blatant finger-pointing is leaning towards Ukraine. It has stepped up its drone capabilities to hit strategic targets inside Russia, such as oil storage facilities, ammunition depots, and military bases like the brazen strike on the Engels Military Base.