EU Refutes Moscow: No Proof Kyiv Hit Russian Government Sites
EU foreign-policy head Josep Borrell rebuffed Russia’s claim that Ukraine attacked state buildings, citing U.S. intelligence that traces the drones to Russian soil.
Brussels pushes back on Kremlin narrative as Washington says intelligence shows no Ukrainian hand
Brussels — The European Union’s foreign-policy chief on Tuesday dismissed Russia’s accusation that Ukraine orchestrated recent drone strikes on Russian government buildings, hours after U.S. officials told reporters they have seen no evidence of Ukrainian involvement.
‘No credible sign’ of Kyiv role, Borrell says
Josep Borrell, speaking after a meeting of EU defense ministers, labeled Moscow’s claim “a convenient story, not a verifiable fact.” The Spanish diplomat pointed to satellite imagery shared by Washington that shows the drones launched from inside Russia, a finding echoed by three Western intelligence services.
“Russia wants to frame this as external aggression. We see it as internal theater,” Borrell said.
White House: Intel ‘doesn’t track’ with Kremlin version
Two senior U.S. officials, briefing on condition of anonymity, said intercepted communications indicate the drones were assembled in Tatarstan using off-the-shelf parts purchased online. The flight path, they added, originated fewer than 60 kilometers from the targeted sites near Moscow.
- No Ukrainian military markings found on wreckage
- Explosives match batches previously traced to Russian black-market dealers
- Timing coincided with domestic anti-mobilization protests, suggesting possible false-flag motive
Kyiv’s response: ‘We don’t waste resources on stunts’
Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak ridiculed the accusation, tweeting that Ukraine’s drones “have more urgent work” striking front-line supply lines. Independent military analysts note Kyiv has consistently denied cross-border attacks that do not yield tactical gain.
Market ripple effects
European gas futures dipped 3 % on the news, easing fears of another escalation that could endanger Black Sea shipping lanes. The euro rose a quarter-cent against the dollar while the MOEX index slid 1.2 % as investors weighed new sanctions chatter.
What happens next
Diplomats say the EU is preparing a tenth sanctions package focused on Russian drone-engine suppliers, with formal adoption expected next month. Meanwhile, NATO ambassadors will convene Wednesday at Poland’s request to discuss air-defense reinforcements along the eastern flank.