Russia accuses U.S. of being behind alleged Putin assassination attempt

Russian government spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Thursday accused the United States of being behind the alleged Ukrainian attack on the Kremlin, which Moscow has branded as an assassination attempt on Vladimir Putin, along with other attacks committed on Russian territory.

"We know that decisions on the attacks are made not in Kiev, but in Washington," Dmitry Peskov told reporters in a briefing. "Kiev just does what it is told, Kiev is not always given the permission to choose the means."

Peskov added that Moscow is aware of this and Washington must understand it. Russian authorities claim to have launched a thorough investigation into the alleged drone attack which they described as an attempt on Vladimir Putin's life. Russia says its response will be balanced and in line with the interests of the country.

Russia compares alleged attack to 9/11

The Kremlin on Wednesday denounced a drone attack pointing the finger of responsibility at Ukraine, which denied its involvement fearing that Moscow could use it as an excuse for future action against them.

For his part, Russia's ambassador to the United States, Anatoli Antonov, also criticized Washington for its position on the alleged attack against the Russian president. Antonov accused the Biden administration of "double standards" and compared Wednesday's event in the Kremlin to the September 11, 2001 attacks.