Images on social media appear to show Pansir-S1 mobile anti-aircraft systems installed around Moscow.
Kremlin refuses to say if Russia is preparing to defend itself against possible attack after images of Moscow’s rooftop missile defense systems circulated on social media bottom.
Social media images show the Pantsir-S1 mobile anti-aircraft system on the roof of a building in central Moscow, about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) east of the Kremlin, and the Pansir on the roof of a Ministry of Defense building along the Kremlin. appeared to be in the picture. Moskva River across from Gorky Park.
According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), what appeared to be an anti-aircraft weapon was visible on Friday above the capital’s main ministries building.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was asked if Russia was concerned that Moscow could become a target.
“It is better to ask the Ministry of Defense about all the measures being taken, because they are responsible for ensuring the security of the country as a whole, and the capital in particular,” Peskov told reporters.
The ministry did not immediately respond to AFP’s request for comment.
The Panther-S1 is an air defense system designed to defend against a variety of weapons, including aircraft and ballistic and cruise missiles.
Russian-language independent media reported that another Pantyli system was installed about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from President Vladimir Putin’s residence in Novo-Ogaryovo, a suburb of Moscow.
Anton Gerashchenko, an adviser to Ukraine’s Interior Minister, posted a video on social media that appeared to show an anti-aircraft aircraft near Putin’s residence.
“What’s going on?” Gerashenko wrote.
Another air defense complex was found in the Moscow region, 10 km from Putin’s residence.
The video was reportedly filmed on January 6 near the village of Zarechye in the Odintsovo district. Probably Pantsir C1.
I wonder what’s going on? pic.twitter.com/UNeuiJRMZ4
— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) January 20, 2023
Reports earlier this week showed that S-400 mobile surface-to-air missile units were seen near the sprawling Losiny Ostrov Forest Park on Moscow’s northern border and at the capital’s agricultural research institute.
Security analyst Michael Horowitz offered several possible explanations on Twitter. Russia may be concerned about a “Ukrainian attack on Moscow”. – he admitted it was a “wild guess”.
A sure sign that things are going well #Russia:
Panther air defense system deployed on the roof of the Russian Ministry of Defense in Moscow
— Michael A. Horowitz (@michaelh992) January 19, 2023
Moscow has accused the Ukrainian military of being behind a drone attack on military infrastructure deep within Russian territory.
The US and other NATO members have provided Ukraine with billions of dollars worth of military aid, but US President Joe Biden said Washington would not send weapons that could be used to attack inside Russia. .
Nevertheless, Kremlin spokesperson Peskov raised the possibility of a future supply of such weapons on Thursday, saying it would “take the conflict to a whole new level.”