Vladimir Putin allegedly survives attack by Ukraine, claims German report: Here's what we know

Since the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin may have become one of the most unpopular people in the world. Now, according to some sources, Putin may have also almost become the victim of an assassination attempt.

This is reported by, among others, the German newspaper BILD and magazine t-online. As far as is known, a kamikaze drone is said to have taken off on the afternoon of Sunday 23 April, with its target destination allegedly Putin.

The projectile was reportedly a 3-metre-long and 85-kilogram modern medium-range UJ-22 drone, which can cover a range of up to 800 kilometres. It was allegedly loaded with 30 C4 plastic explosives that weighed 17kg.

According to t-online, the Tass news portal reported that the drone, which crashed prematurely, was discovered by local residents in a wooded area on Sunday, meaning that it did not reach its target.

Kamikaze drone headed for industrial park

According to the reports of unnamed private Russian media cited by BILD, the drone was discovered near the village of Voroskogo, east of Moscow. About 20 kilometres away from it is also the newly built industrial parkRudnevo, which Putin originally wanted to visit, according to the publication.

BILD cites claims made by Ukrainian activist Yuriy Romanenko on Twitter. He said:

Putin we are getting closer. Everyone saw the news about the drone that flew to Moscow, but did not explode? So, this drone flew for a reason.

Romanenko continued:

Last week, our intelligence officers received information about Putin's trip to the industrial park in Rudnevo.

Accordingly, our kamikaze drone took off, which flew through all the air defences of the Russian Federation and crashed not far from the industrial park.

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German media claims a cover-up

Although the attack was apparently unsuccessful, BILD suggests that the Russian government is trying to cover it up. The publication cites Putin propagandist Paval Zarubin, who said on Sunday morning that Putin was planning to 'visit an industrial park in Moscow' but did not provide specific timings.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday 24 April that 'Russian President Vladimir Putin works in the Kremlin. The head of state is not planning any major public events'. However, Tass reported that Putin would visit the Rudnevo industrial park today, Thursday 27 April.

Romanenko, at least, considers the news to be a small victory. He said:

Considering how much Putin is obsessed with his own security, this story could have huge implications for the Kremlin towers.

Ukraine expert Sergej Sumlenny told BILD:

It is clear that a precision strike against the Russian head of state with a kamikaze drone is an almost impossible action.

But the very fact that such a drone would reach a place where Putin plans to stay is a slap in the face for the Russian dictator.

This article has been adapted from Gentside DE.

Sources used:

BILD: 'Attentat auf Kreml-Diktator scheitert knapp: 17 Kilo Sprengstoff sollten Putin töten'

t-online: '17 Kilo Sprengstoff sollten Kremlchef töten: Putin entging angeblich Attentat mit Kamikaze-Drohne'

Daily Mail: 'Ukraine 'tried to ASSASSINATE Putin using drone loaded with explosives that crashed just miles from industrial estate dictator was due to visit near Moscow', German media claims'

Daily Beast: Is Russia Covering Up an Assassination Attempt on Putin?