ALLEGED DRONE ATTACK ON PUTIN’S RESIDENCE SPARKS RUSSIA–UKRAINE DISPUTE

Russia accuses Ukraine of targeting President Vladimir Putin’s residence with dozens of drones, an allegation Kyiv strongly denies amid sensitive peace negotiations.
Russian authorities have accused Ukraine of attempting a drone attack on one of President Vladimir Putin’s residences in Novgorod Oblast, northwestern Russia, a claim that has further strained already fragile diplomatic efforts to end the war.
According to Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, Ukraine allegedly deployed dozens of long-range unmanned aerial vehicles—reportedly as many as 91—in the attack. Lavrov said Russian air defence systems intercepted all the drones, adding that there were no casualties or material damage.
Moscow described the alleged incident as an act of “state terrorism” and warned that it could affect Russia’s position in ongoing peace talks with Ukraine. President Putin was also reported to have raised the issue during a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, telling him that Russia would reassess its negotiating stance following the incident.
Ukraine, however, has categorically rejected the accusation. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed the claim as a “complete fabrication” and “typical Russian lies,” insisting that Kyiv did not target Putin’s residence or attempt to assassinate the Russian leader. Ukrainian officials maintain that their military operations are focused on defending Ukraine’s territory and striking legitimate military targets.
Kyiv further argues that the allegation is intended to undermine diplomatic efforts, particularly ongoing discussions involving the United States, and to create a pretext for renewed Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv and key government facilities.
So far, no independent evidence has emerged to support Russia’s claim. There has been no confirmation from third-party observers, satellite imagery, or Western intelligence agencies. Russian statements remain the only source of the allegation, while Ukraine and its Western partners say the incident has not been verified.
The dispute comes at a delicate moment, as Ukraine and the United States engage in intensive talks over possible security guarantees and pathways toward ending the conflict. The timing of the allegation has raised concerns among diplomats that it could further complicate negotiations and escalate tensions.
While Russian officials suggest the alleged attack may justify a tougher military or diplomatic posture, Ukraine warns that such claims have historically preceded intensifieAlleged Drone Attack on Putin’s Residence Sparks Russia–Ukraine Dispute
Russia accuses Ukraine of targeting President Vladimir Putin’s residence with dozens of drones, an allegation Kyiv strongly denies amid sensitive peace negotiations.
Russian authorities have accused Ukraine of attempting a drone attack on one of President Vladimir Putin’s residences in Novgorod Oblast, northwestern Russia, a claim that has further strained already fragile diplomatic efforts to end the war.
According to Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, Ukraine allegedly deployed dozens of long-range unmanned aerial vehicles—reportedly as many as 91—in the attack. Lavrov said Russian air defence systems intercepted all the drones, adding that there were no casualties or material damage.
Moscow described the alleged incident as an act of “state terrorism” and warned that it could affect Russia’s position in ongoing peace talks with Ukraine. President Putin was also reported to have raised the issue during a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, telling him that Russia would reassess its negotiating stance following the incident.
Ukraine, however, has categorically rejected the accusation. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed the claim as a “complete fabrication” and “typical Russian lies,” insisting that Kyiv did not target Putin’s residence or attempt to assassinate the Russian leader. Ukrainian officials maintain that their military operations are focused on defending Ukraine’s territory and striking legitimate military targets.
Kyiv further argues that the allegation is intended to undermine diplomatic efforts, particularly ongoing discussions involving the United States, and to create a pretext for renewed Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv and key government facilities.
So far, no independent evidence has emerged to support Russia’s claim. There has been no confirmation from third-party observers, satellite imagery, or Western intelligence agencies. Russian statements remain the only source of the allegation, while Ukraine and its Western partners say the incident has not been verified.
The dispute comes at a delicate moment, as Ukraine and the United States engage in intensive talks over possible security guarantees and pathways toward ending the conflict. The timing of the allegation has raised concerns among diplomats that it could further complicate negotiations and escalate tensions.
While Russian officials suggest the alleged attack may justify a tougher military or diplomatic posture, Ukraine warns that such claims have historically preceded intensified Russian strikes. As the situation continues to unfold, observers say international scrutiny and independent verification will be crucial in determining the facts behind the competing narratives.d Russian strikes. As the situation continues to unfold, observers say international scrutiny and independent verification will be crucial in determining the facts behind the competing narratives.