Rakhmanin says drones that attacked Moscow had ‘legitimate, military or strategic targets’
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The drones in the May 30 attack on Moscow were sent to strike legitimate military and strategic targets, an MP from the Ukrainian parliament’s defense and security committee has told Radio NV in an exclusive interview.
Member of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence, Serhiy Rakhmanin said the targets of the drone attack were “directly related to the security and defense of the Russian Federation.”
“While it’s evident that I cannot possess precise knowledge of the intended destinations of the unmanned aerial vehicles that ventured so far into the territory of the Russian Federation, based on the information available to me, there were two targets, which were entirely legitimate,” Rakhmanin said during the Radio NV interview, addressing the ongoing debate about whether Ukraine exclusively targets military facilities within Russia.
Russian media reported on May 30 that drones had struck at least two residential buildings in Moscow, though their explosive warheads had failed to go off. Video from Russian media also showed at least two of the drones being shot down.
The Russian military later said that eight drones had attacked the Russian capital, while initial Russian media put the number at 32.
According to the MP, in the context of warfare, targets deemed legitimate are those possessing military or strategic significance for the warring parties. The objects targeted for drone attack in Moscow, Rakhmanin said, were directly related to the security and defense of the Russian Federation.
“Naturally, as the capital of any country, Moscow is primarily safeguarded, and its air defense systems were operational,” he said.
“Consequently, it is important to note that the means employed in the attack do not always hit or reach their intended targets. Nevertheless, based on the information at my disposal, the targets in question were both legitimate and strategic. Although I will refrain from elaborating on their precise nature, it is crucial to acknowledge that no assurance can be given regarding the precision of the strike mission.”
Rakhmanin underscored Ukraine’s commitment to adhering to “specific rules” aimed at preventing or minimizing civilian casualties.
“I have no recollection of any official statements made by Ukraine regarding plans for these strikes. Nor can I recall any official acknowledgment from Ukraine taking responsibility for conducting said strikes,” the MP said.
Meanwhile, Yuriy Ihnat, spokesperson for the Air Force, referred to the drone attack on Moscow as an outcome of “internal issues” within the Russian Federation.
Mykhailo Podolyak, advisor to the Head of the Office of the President, in response to the news of the drone strikes, cryptically responded that the unmanned vehicles had been “seeking to return to their creators.”
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