Russian Combat Drones Reportedly controlled from Moscow City

MOSCOW, April 15, 2025 ⁤(AP) – A fund with ties to Dmitry Medvedev, a former Russian president and prime minister, ‍has allegedly overseen the operation of combat drones attacking Ukraine directly from the‌ Moscow‍ City business district, according ​to an investigative report.

Video Shows Drone Operation, Then Disappears

RIA novosti, a Russian state-owned news agency,⁣ initially released a video ⁢on Tuesday showing an operator controlling a combat drone from a ⁣skyscraper in Moscow City, with the ‌drone purportedly striking a Ukrainian‍ city. The video showcased the capabilities of the “Orbit” software and hardware system, which allows for drone control from ‍a significant ⁤distance⁣ from the front lines. However, ‍the video was ⁤subsequently​ removed, and mentions of ‍Moscow City were⁣ scrubbed, according to the⁤ report.

‘Orbit’ System‌ Linked to United Russia Party

The ‌”Orbit” system was reportedly developed by​ the Center for Unmanned Systems ⁤and Technologies (CBST), a fund established in⁢ 2024 at ⁣the initiative‌ of the⁣ United‍ Russia party. Andrei Bezrukov, chairman ⁣of the fund’s ​board and former deputy head of‍ the Federation Council⁢ apparatus, is⁢ featured​ in the video commenting on the drone launch. ⁤The drone is allegedly controlled by Stanislav Orlov,commander of the Espanyola unit,a Russian army⁣ contingent⁣ primarily composed of football fans with reported neo-Nazi affiliations.

Funding Sources Trace Back to Medvedev Allies

The CBST’s formal founders include the “Non-profit‌ Foundation of Patriotic Initiatives ‘Our Pravda'” and Promsvyazbank. “Our Pravda” ⁣is ‌described as a project supporting employees connected to United Russia. It was⁤ established by the “Dar”⁣ and‍ “Gradislava” funds, which were previously featured in a ‌film by Aleksey Navalny, the late Russian⁣ opposition leader, as⁢ entities managing undeclared real estate‌ linked to ⁣Dmitry ‍Medvedev.

Promsvyazbank’s Role in Defense industry

Promsvyazbank, another founder of the CBST, is​ a ⁣key ​bank for the Russian defense⁣ industry,​ handling ⁣state orders and operating in occupied Ukrainian territories. The bank is ‌headed by ​Peter Fradkov, son of Mikhail Fradkov, ⁣the former prime minister and ‌ex-head ‍of Russia’s foreign ​intelligence service.

Moscow City as a “Recognizable Location”

The video was⁤ reportedly filmed from the St. Petersburg⁤ tower within the Moscow City complex, where ⁣the “Orbit” system is installed. The drone launch appeared ‌to originate from⁢ a residential space, possibly a ‌rented apartment.The Espanyola unit, the intended beneficiary of‍ the drone operation, described ⁣Moscow ⁤City as a ‌”easily recognizable location.”

Kremlin’s Double Standard?

Russian officials have repeatedly ‌condemned the placement of military assets near⁢ civilian infrastructure as a ⁢war ‌crime, using this justification for attacks on Ukrainian cities that have resulted‌ in⁢ civilian​ casualties.

Z-Bloggers React ⁣with Criticism

The publication of the video from Moscow City drew criticism from russian⁢ Z-bloggers, who ‍support the ⁣war in Ukraine. One blogger, Romanov⁢ Light, questioned whether the video would legitimize future attacks on⁤ Moscow City by implying it had become a military target. The Telegram channel “the Empire Very Evil” echoed‌ this ⁤sentiment,stating,”That’s‌ how moscow City suddenly became a legal military ‍purpose. ‌Well done, boasted.”

Moscow City: A Frequent​ Target

The Moscow City complex has been ⁤targeted by ‍drone attacks on multiple occasions.