Ukrainian Drone Strikes Luxury Residential Complex in Moscow… Tensions Peak Ahead of Victory Day

(Seoul=Composite) On the 4th (local time), just five days before Russia's largest national event, Victory Day (May 9), a luxury residential complex in central Moscow was struck by a Ukrainian drone attack, sending shockwaves through Russian society.

According to foreign media including the BBC, in the early hours of that day, a drone collided with the upper floors of a high-rise apartment in central Moscow, causing a fire and shattering numerous windows. The building is known as an upscale residential property where many Russian political and business figures reside, and the fact that a symbolic building in central Moscow—previously considered relatively safe—has been directly targeted has caused significant repercussions.

Russian authorities immediately strengthened air defenses and began collecting and investigating drone debris. The Kremlin spokesperson strongly condemned the attack, calling it "a provocation attempt aimed at the Victory Day ceremony." Russia had already declared a unilateral ceasefire to protect the Victory Day military parade and warned that if Kyiv disrupts the event, it would deliver a 'large-scale retaliatory strike' on the center of the Ukrainian capital.

The Ukrainian government has not officially confirmed the attack, but military sources reportedly reaffirmed their existing position that "military and logistics targets on Russian soil are legitimate operational targets."

Victory Day is a key event that President Vladimir Putin has used annually as a stage to consolidate his governing power. This year, with foreign heads of state also scheduled to attend, the Russian side has raised security to the highest level. Major roads in Moscow have been controlled, and extensive GPS jamming using electronic warfare equipment is reportedly being conducted.

Experts warn that the days surrounding Victory Day could be the most dangerous period in the fourth year of the war, as both sides are likely to make aggressive military moves for political justification.