Drone attacks on Russian territory in the past two days have highlighted the shortcomings of Russian air defense and highlighted Moscow's vulnerability ahead of an expected Ukrainian counter-offensive.
After the attack on the elite parts of the Russian capital yesterday, drones hit two oil refineries located about 80 kilometers from the largest Russian oil export terminals.
The attack on the Afipski oil refinery in Russia's Krasnodar region caused a fire that was later extinguished, while the second attack was on the Ilski refinery and caused no damage, Russian officials said.
The attacks have enraged Russia hawks who criticize the military leadership for failing to protect the heart of the Kremlin's power, which lies about 500 kilometers from the front line.
Russia's most powerful mercenary, Yevgeny Prigozhin, said yesterday that he has asked prosecutors to investigate whether senior Russian defense officials committed a "crime" before or during the war in Ukraine. This request by Prigozhin is his most open challenge yet to Putin's military leaders, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov.
"Today I sent letters to the Investigative Committee and the Prosecutor's Office of the Russian Federation with a request to check whether high-ranking officials of the Ministry of Defense committed a crime during the preparation and implementation of the special military operation," Prigozhin said. "These letters will not be published because the investigative authorities will deal with them.
Prigozhin never directly criticizes Putin and acts with the approval of those who are disappointed with the way the military conducts the war, Reuters points out.
Military observers claim that the drones used in attacks on Russian territory are relatively primitive and cheap, but have a range of up to 1000 kilometers. Some of the drones that were shot down over Moscow are Ukrainian-made UJ-22 aircraft and can carry explosives, the Associated Press agency reported.
Drones manage to reach Moscow undetected also because Russian defenses are mainly focused on deterring attacks from more sophisticated weapons
Mark Kansian, senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, believes that one of the reasons drones manage to reach Moscow undetected is that Russian air defenses are mainly focused on deterring attacks from more sophisticated weapons.
"They are aimed at rockets, ballistic missiles, airplanes, and not at short-range drones that can fly very low," Kansian told AP. "Russian air defenses are not designed for that," he said.
The Russian military, in his opinion, will move part of its air defenses from the front to help protect Moscow, which will weaken Russian troops ahead of a Ukrainian counteroffensive.
Some analysts point out that Putin's relatively calm reaction, in contrast to the angry outbursts of the hawks, reflects his belief that the attacks will not significantly upset the public.
"Putin has repeatedly talked about the incredible patience and moderation of the Russian people," Tatjana Stanovaya from the Carnegie Foundation told AP. "Regardless of how defiant the Ukrainian attack is, Putin does not think he can provoke public dissatisfaction with the government."
She pointed out that although downplaying the importance of the attack makes the authorities look "humiliated and helpless", it is in line with Putin's decision to prolong the conflict.
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