Reports from city officials and Russian media indicate that a Ukrainian drone has targeted a luxury high-rise in western Moscow, causing extensive damage to the building’s walls and scattering debris in the surrounding area.
Vladimir Putin has expressed heightened concerns following the incident, just as preparations are underway for the annual military Victory Day Parade on Red Square, where thousands of Russian troops will gather to commemorate the end of World War II.
Amid fears of a potential attack by Ukraine, Moscow is on high alert as rehearsals continue for the parade scheduled for May 9, with officials particularly wary of a possible disruption during Putin’s anticipated speech at the event.
The drone strike targeted the 36th floor of the Mosfilmovskaya tower, situated in an area often referred to as ‘Russia’s Hollywood’, inflicting significant damage during the early morning strike at 1 am.
Located just a short distance from the Kremlin, the tower is rumored to house senior members of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), though these claims remain unverified.
Close to the high-rise is an exclusive mansion complex where key figures such as Putin’s security council secretary and former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, along with Russia’s chief of the general staff, Gen. Valery Gerasimov, reportedly reside in heavily guarded residences.
Security measures have been visibly heightened in Moscow, with snipers and machine gunners stationed at the Kremlin’s towers and ramparts overlooking Red Square in anticipation of Putin’s upcoming event this weekend.
Furthermore, armored vehicles and anti-drone weaponry are being deployed around the Kremlin to enhance security. Specialized units armed with machine guns, sniper rifles, and advanced equipment have been stationed across the Kremlin’s structures.
Additionally, armed checkpoints have been established at the entrances to the Russian capital as a precautionary measure against potential threats.
Although Moscow has largely been spared from Ukrainian attacks in recent times, there is a growing concern that the city may become a target in the coming days.
Putin has suggested a brief ceasefire to coincide with the parade, but Ukraine is pushing for a longer truce as part of broader peace negotiations. As of now, no formal ceasefire agreement has been reached.
According to Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s spokesman, the world is eagerly anticipating Putin’s Victory Day speech, which is expected to carry significant importance in the current geopolitical context.
