UPDATES WITH MORE PESKOV'S REMARKS
By Burc Eruygur
ISTANBUL (AA) – The Kremlin claimed on Thursday that the alleged drone attack by Ukraine on the presidential residence late Tuesday was decided by the US.
"We are well aware that decisions on such actions, on such terrorist attacks, are not made in Kyiv, (but) namely, in Washington. And Kyiv is already doing what it is told to do," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said during a press briefing.
Peskov further claimed that the goals of such attacks are also often not determined by Ukraine but by the US, which are then brought to Kyiv to be “fulfilled.”
“You understand that only a small part of this data is being disclosed. But it is very important here that Washington understands that we know this, and understands how dangerous such direct participation in the conflict is,” Peskov also said.
He added that the Russian Investigative Committee, as well as other agencies, are thoroughly investigating the drone attack, the result of which, he said, depends on those working on the investigation.
According to Peskov, the security system in the Kremlin has been strengthened after the incident.
Russian President Vladimir Putin continues routinely working in his Kremlin residence, he noted.
Asked about damage caused by the drone attack, Peskov said two copper sheets on the dome of the Kremlin's Senate Palace were singed, and they will be replaced.
Putin's reaction to the attack was "calm and disciplined," he said, noting: "You know that the president always maintains reason, composure, and clarity in assessments and commands in difficult, extreme situations."
The Russian president did not summon an extraordinary meeting following the incident and does not plan any extraordinary contact with foreign leaders. He also did not abandon the idea of holding a public address on May 9, when Russia celebrates the victory in World War II, he said.
Peskov also said that the Kremlin is unaware of Pope Francis' peace plan for Ukraine.
The Kremlin said on Wednesday that Ukraine attempted to strike the residence with two drones, which, it said, were shot down on Tuesday night.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other Ukrainian officials have since denied Kyiv’s involvement in the drone attack.