Putin may escalate military operation in Ukraine after drone strike on the Kremlin.

247 - The attempt to assassinate the Russian president, with two drones flying over the Kremlin walls, could result in a deepening of the Russian special military operation in Ukraine.

Although the drones were destroyed before causing serious damage, the incident highlighted the apparent vulnerability of central Moscow to enemy drones and led commentators to question the effectiveness of Russia's air defenses, according to a report by [source name]. Reuters.

Within Russia, the assassination attempt, even though unsuccessful, helped reinforce the Kremlin-backed view that its war in Ukraine is existential for the Russian state and people.

Arriving on the eve of its annual World War II victory parade on May 9 in Moscow's Red Square – a sacred event for many Russians – and at a time when Russia is reported by the West as accumulating heavy casualties, some Kremlin observers believe its advisors may be hoping for a rally effect around the flag.

"It's an attempt to bring together all sacred things in one statement," said Alexander Baunov, a former Russian diplomat and Kremlin observer, regarding the Kremlin's response – the report highlights.

According to the Kremlin's version of events, the attack targeted Putin, the Russian flag atop the Kremlin Senate building, and cast a shadow over Victory Day. 

After Putin's cabinet framed the drone incident as a Ukrainian attempt on the president's life – something Kyiv denies – politicians across the Russian political spectrum called for counter-action and for Moscow to prosecute the special military operation in Ukraine in a much harsher manner.