Russian TV Pundit Warns Colleagues Not to 'Laugh' at Ukraine's Capabilities

The host of a news show on a Russian state-owned TV outlet and a prominent political analyst offered a warning during a recent broadcast: Ukraine could soon strike major cities in Russia with armed drones.

During the program on NTV—a network operated by the Russian majority state-owned energy corporation Gazprom—host Andrey Norkin discussed the possibility of an attack on Moscow and St. Petersburg by drones. Viktor Olevich, a well-known Russian analyst, then passionately defended Norkin's suggestion.

According to a translated video clip posted on Twitter by BBC journalist Francis Scarr, Olevich said "the last thing I'd laugh at" are predictions of a drone strike.

"I remember very well how you all laughed at him [Norkin] when he predicted that Patriot systems would be sent to Ukraine," Olevich said, referencing the advanced missile defense systems the United States announced this week it will provide to President Volodymyr Zelensky's military.

"I remember well how you all laughed at him when he predicted that the Ukrainian Armed Forces would undertake a counteroffensive—a successful one!—in various areas, including in the south," Olevich said. "And I remember very well how it came to fruition.

"That's why it would not be surprising at all now—firstly, it's entirely obvious that the Ukrainian Armed Forces and their military intelligence, potential targets in Moscow and St. Petersburg and some other Russian cities are pretty desirable!"

Ukraine has reportedly already used drones to strike military targets in Russian territory with attacks in the Ryazan region and the Saratov region in early December. Kyiv did not directly claim responsibility for the strikes but did celebrate them. At the time, a senior Ukrainian official told ABC News that Ukrainian special forces were deep inside Russian territory and helped guide drones to at least one of the bases hit.

Zelensky's forces have not attempted any attacks on major Russian cities. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin's military has made more extensive use of unmanned drones, including during recent assaults on Kyiv.

Olevich brought up the strikes on airfields in the Ryazan and Saratov regions, saying the attacks prove it could be only a matter of time before Ukraine pushes farther into Russia.

"We shouldn't be at all surprised that they are drawing up such plans and perhaps these plans will be implemented," Olevich said.

Newsweek reached out to the Ukrainian and Russian ministries of foreign affairs for comment.