Inside Crimea, the Russian-annexed territory Ukraine is hoping to retake
NBCDec 23, 2022
The Facts
Russian Pres. Putin on Tuesday ordered officials to tighten control of the border with Ukraine after a number of drones penetrated Russian air defenses and exploded within Russian territory this week. Although Putin didn't refer to any specific attacks in his speech, it came hours after a drone fell near the village of Gubastovo, less than 60 miles (100 km) from Moscow.
According to the Guardian, the drone was a Ukrainian-made UJ-22 and had targeted a gas compression station belonging to the Russian energy giant Gazprom. The drone reportedly fell short of the facility, causing no damage, but the attack raised questions about how a drone was able to get so close to Moscow.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
This invasion is an egregious violation of international law. Putin's ultimate aim is to restore the Soviet empire, even if it takes massive bloodshed and false pretexts such as calling the 2014 Ukrainian revolution after an election a "coup." This unprovoked attack is the latest chapter in Putin's Orwellian attempt to rewrite history.
Pro-Russia narrative
NATO and the US have ignored Russia's security concerns by breaking its promise not to expand eastward in return for German reunification. These concerns are legitimate and taking them seriously would have avoided the Ukraine tragedy.