Russians React to Ukraine’s Unprecedented Drone Attack as Kremlin’s Silence Speaks Volumes
Ukraine’s recent drone attack on Russia’s long-range bombers was unprecedented, yet you’d be hard-pressed to find any mention of it in the Russian press or news bulletins. According to a report by Sky News, the attack has been largely downplayed or ignored by the Russian media.
The front pages of Russian newspapers on Monday were dominated by photos of a road bridge collapsing onto a passenger train in the Bryansk region, after it was blown up late on Saturday night. Meanwhile, the flagship talk show on state TV on Monday morning didn’t even mention the drone attack, instead focusing on the latest round of peace talks in Istanbul. Sky News reports that the lack of visual coverage of the drone attack is partly due to sensitivities around publishing images of Russian military infrastructure.
However, Sky News believes that the Kremlin is also trying to play down the assault, which was a hugely embarrassing breach of Russia’s defences. The Russian media has instead focused on reinforcing Moscow’s narrative that Ukraine is the aggressor out to derail the peace process. For example, the Izvestia newspaper describes the drone attack as a "terrorist attack" and says it "calls into question Kyiv’s readiness for de-escalation".
On the streets of Moscow, Sky News met with people who were either unconcerned or skeptical about the drone attack. Irina, a Moscow resident, believes the reports of the attack are "exaggerated". "These planes are very old and hardly anyone needs them," she says. Another passer-by, Vladimir, says he trusts President Putin to respond when the time is right. "This must be done systematically, confidently, and without any kind of nervous breakdowns, or any shows of soul," he says.
However, on social media, Russia’s influential military bloggers are calling for a rapid retaliation. One popular channel, called Dva Mayora or "Two Majors", even suggested that it was "a reason to launch nuclear strikes on Ukraine". Others are directing their anger at Russia’s military command, accusing the leadership of complacency for storing the planes out in the open.
The drone attack has also overshadowed the latest round of peace talks in Istanbul, where the only concrete outcome was another prisoner exchange and the return of 6,000 dead soldiers from each side. According to Sky News, Russia has now presented its blueprint for a settlement, which seemingly offers no sign of compromise at all. The document is a list of Moscow’s maximalist demands, including neutrality for Ukraine, limits to its army, surrender of territory, and the lifting of sanctions.
The Kremlin’s silence on the drone attack has been notable, with no official comment from the government. As Sky News notes, "Can you imagine Downing Street doing the same if something similar happened in the UK?" The lack of comment has led to speculation that the Kremlin is trying to avoid drawing attention to the vulnerability of its military infrastructure.
In conclusion, the drone attack has highlighted the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia, with the Kremlin’s silence speaking volumes about its concerns. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Russia will respond to the attack and what implications it will have for the peace talks. According to Sky News, "despite the talk being of peace at the talks in Turkey, the mood is still very much one of war".
