Beijing, Damascus denounce Ukraine's targeting of the Kremlin

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
4 May 2023 12:33

Beijing and Damascus have both voiced their reaction to the assassination attempt on Russian President Vladimir Putin's life.

Images of Ukrainian UAVs heading toward the presidential palace on May 3, 2023 (Reuters)

Syrian state-owned news agency SANA reported on Thursday that Syria strongly condemns the attack initiated on the Kremlin by Ukrainian forces on Wednesday, noting that Russia has the right to defend itself in the face of such aggression.

"Syria strongly condemns targeting the Kremlin with drones by Ukrainian regime which is operated by the US and its allies, and considers it a terrorist act and foolish behavior," the Foreign and Expatriates Ministry said on its Twitter account.

تدين سورية بقوة قيام النظام الأوكراني الذي تديره الولايات المتحدة وحلفائها باستهداف الكرملين بطائرات مسيرة، وتَعده عملاً إرهابياً وتصرفاً أحمقاً.
وتدعم سورية حق روسيا في الدفاع عن نفسها إزاء مثل هذه الهجمات الإرهابية الخطيرة، وضمان عدم تكرارها.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates- Syria (@syrianmofaex) May 4, 2023

Beijing has likewise voiced its reaction to the attack, calling on both parties in the conflict to refrain from actions that might lead to further escalations.

"China's position on the Ukrainian crisis is consistent and clear, and all parties should avoid moves that could lead to further escalation," said Mao Ning, Spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, during a press conference.

On Wednesday, the press service of the Kremlin said that two UAVs attempted to target the Kremlin residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Kremlin stated that Putin was left unharmed by the attack and that Russia reserves the right to initiate retaliation against Kiev over the attack.

The Kremlin further stated that it considered the attempted drone attack on the presidential palace as a planned terrorist act and an attempted assassination against Putin.

Later that day, US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, said in response to questions over the matter that he was aware of the reports without ascertaining their legitimacy, noting that he would take any piece of information from Moscow with a "very large shaker of salt."

When asked about the US stance if Ukraine chooses to strike deep within Russian territories, Blinken answered, "These are decisions for Ukraine to make, about how it’s going to defend itself, about how it’s going to get its territory back, how it’s going to restore its territorial integrity and sovereignty."

Earlier today, Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov vowed to respond to what he described as "Ukraine’s act of terrorism" in the form of an attempted drone attack on the Kremlin at a time suitable for Russia.

Elsewhere in his remarks, he stated that the US officials' statements on an attempt at Putin's life "are striking in their cynicism and absurdity."

"The U.S. did not find it possible to recognize the obvious thing - it was a terrorist action planned by the Zelensky regime and an assassination attempt targeting the President of the Russian Federation. Moreover, the timing was not chosen by chance - ahead of Victory Day and the May 9 Parade, where foreign guests are planned to take part in," Antonov added.

"How would Americans react if a drone hit the White House, the Capitol, or the Pentagon? The answer is obvious for any politician as well as for an average citizen: the punishment will be harsh and inevitable," he said.