Moscow drone attack footage sparks backlash and controversy
The pro-Kremlin agency RIA Novosti published a video showing drone operators launching attacks on Ukraine from a Moscow office building. Although the video was quickly removed, it had already surfaced on other platforms.
what do you need to know?
- Video published by RIA Novosti: On Tuesday, the Russian agency RIA Novosti shared a video showing drone operators coordinating attacks on Ukraine from an office building in Moscow.
- Quick removal of the video: The video was posted on the agency's Telegram channel but was promptly taken down.
- Outrage in Russia: The video's publication sparked a wave of criticism from Russian military bloggers.
Surprising video from the heart of Moscow
The video that appeared on the agency's Telegram channel was swiftly removed, yet it was shared elsewhere on the internet.
The video shows individuals in the Moscow International Business Centre tower directing drones in attacks on Ukraine.
Who was directing the drones?
One Russian battalion reported that during the operation, the drones were directed by the unit commander Stanislav Orlov, known as "Ispaniec"(Spaniard). The individual, residing in rented apartments in Moscow City, successfully attacked a target near Chasiv Yar in eastern Ukraine.
- The operator feels safe, experiencing no psychological pressure - says one of the operation participants in the video, highlighting the fundamental difference between the traditional battlefield and modern warfare tactics.
Wave of criticism
The video's release incited outrage amongst some Russian military bloggers. Criticism focused on both the revelation of the operators' location and the ethical implications of the attacks on Ukraine. Despite being swiftly removed from the Russian agency's social media, the video found its way to other platforms online.
