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.