KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/Getty Images
- A missile system was spotted near the Moscow stadium where Putin gave a patriotic speech.
- Similar air defenses have been popping up on roofs across the capital since Russia invaded Ukraine.
- Some locals fear the presence of these systems hints the war may get worse, The Moscow Times said.
An antiaircraft missile system was spotted near the site where Russian President Vladimir Putin gave a four-minute patriotic speech in Moscow, according to multiple reports — indicating the Kremlin has fears of an aerial attack as its invasion of Ukraine drags on.
The Russian news site Meduza reported that the Pantsir missile system was installed outside Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium, where thousands had gathered — and some had been paid — to hear Putin speak on Wednesday.
These types of missile systems are intended to prevent aircraft, cruise missiles, and drones from striking Moscow, The Guardian reported. The surface-to-air missiles began appearing on Russian rooftops in the capital last month, the outlet added.
No Russian cities have been attacked in the war with Ukraine, but Russian forces have launched missiles at and shelled Ukrainian towns.
According to The Moscow Times, locals are worried and angry because they think these installations could be a sign of military escalation in the country's war with Ukraine.