Old Footage Resurfaces Amid Russia’s Claims Of Ukrainian Drone Attack On Putin’s Residence

Claim

Russia accused Ukraine of trying to attack President Vladimir Putin’s residence and vowed retaliation on Monday. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed that Kyiv had launched an attack overnight using 91 long-range unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on Putin’s state residence in Russia’s northwestern Novgorod region.

Following the same, a video allegedly showing the attack on Putin’s state residence surfaced online.

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Fact

A reverse search of keyframes from the viral video led to a report by BBC Russia, dated May 3, 2023. Carrying the same visuals, it detailed a drone attack on the Kremlin, which the Russian authorities claimed was conducted by Ukraine. The allegations were denied by Kyiv. 

We also found a Reuters report dated May 3, 2023, carrying a part of the viral clip, and corroborating, “Russia accused Ukraine on Wednesday of attacking the Kremlin with drones overnight in an attempt to kill President Vladimir Putin…President Volodymyr Zelenskiy promptly denied any Ukrainian involvement, telling a press conference in Helsinki: “We don’t attack Putin, or Moscow, we fight on our territory.” “ 

Other media outlets (seen here, here and here) also reported on the incident in May 2023. 

We could not independently verify other details about the footage. However, it dates back to May 2023, and hence unlinked to the recent Russian allegations on Ukraine.

‘Typical Russian Lies’: Zelensky Rejects Claims

Dismissing Russia’s claims, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated, “Russia is at it again, using dangerous statements to undermine all achievements of our shared diplomatic efforts with President Trump’s team. We keep working together to bring peace closer. This alleged “residence strike” story is a complete fabrication intended to justify additional attacks against Ukraine, including Kyiv, as well as Russia’s own refusal to take necessary steps to end the war. Typical Russian lies. Furthermore, the Russians have already targeted Kyiv in the past, including the Cabinet of Ministers building.”

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Sources
Report By BBC, Dated May 3, 2023
Report By Reuters, Dated May 3, 2023