White House says it does not support attacks inside Russia
FILE PHOTO: Workers repair damage on the roof of a multi-storey apartment block following a reported drone attack in Moscow, Russia, on May 30, 2023. (Photo: REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov)
WASHINGTON: The United States is still gathering information on reports of drones striking in Moscow, the White House said on Tuesday (May 30), reiterating that Washington does not support attacks inside Russia and is focused on helping Ukraine retake its territory.
"We saw the news and are still gathering information about what happened. As a general matter, we do not support attacks inside of Russia," a White House spokesperson said in a statement.
The spokesperson said Washington was "focused on providing Ukraine with the equipment and training they need to retake their own sovereign territory", and pointed to Russian attacks on Kyiv, which has been hit by drones or missiles 17 times in May.
Russia said Ukrainian drones struck wealthy districts of Moscow on Tuesday, targeting areas where President Vladimir Putin and other Russian elite have residences. Two people were injured in the incidents, according to Moscow's mayor.
Putin said Tuesday's attack was an attempt to scare and provoke Russia, and that air defences around the capital would be strengthened.
