Criticism Of Ukrainian Drone Attack On Moscow As A Provocation, Russian President Vladimir Putin: Terrorist Activity

Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Source: Kremlin)

JAKARTA - President Vladimir Putin said the Ukrainian drone strike against Moscow was an attempt to scare and provoke Russia, while it will strengthen its air defenses around the capital.

Eight drones targeted the Moscow and surrounding areas which have a population of more than 21 people in the early hours of Tuesday morning, Russian authorities said, but all were shot down and/or diverted with specialized jammers.

President Putin called the attack a terrorist response, which came after Russia attacked the Ukrainian military intelligence headquarters several days ago.

Ukraine, continued President Putin, has chosen the path of trying to "intimidate Russia, Russian citizens and attack residential buildings".

"This is a clear sign of terrorist activity," he said, launching Reuters on May 30.

Air defense around Moscow - which is the capital of the world's largest nuclear power and is already protected by an extensive early warning system - will be strengthened, President Putin said.

Separately, members of the Russian Parliament warned of more attacks against Moscow, which many said would make it necessary for the military and security agencies to exert greater force.

"Sabotage and terrorist attacks in Ukraine will only increase," said Alexander Khinshtein of the ruling United Russia camp.

"It is important to radically strengthen defense and security measures, especially in terms of countering drones. This includes finally passing the necessary laws," he stressed.

An aide to Ukraine's president denied Kyiv was directly involved in the Moscow attack, but said Ukraine enjoyed watching the attacks unfold and expected more.

"Of course we are happy to witness and expect an increase in the number of attacks. But of course we have nothing to do directly with this," said Presidential Adviser to the President of Ukraine Mykhailo Podolyak.