Ukraine dismissed Russian claims of a drone attack on one of President Vladimir Putin’s residences. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Moscow spread false allegations to block peace efforts. He accused Russia of inventing a justification for further military action. Ukrainian officials said Ukraine carried out no such strike.
Russia Alleges Coordinated Drone Operation
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Ukraine launched 91 long-range drones overnight. He claimed the drones targeted Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod region. Russian authorities did not say where Putin was during the incident. Moscow said it would reconsider its stance in peace negotiations.
Zelensky Calls Accusation a Political Tactic
Zelensky described the claim as a calculated provocation. He said the Kremlin used disinformation to prolong the conflict. He pointed to previous Russian attacks on Ukrainian government sites. Zelensky warned the allegation could prepare the ground for new strikes.
“Everyone must stay alert now,” Zelensky told journalists on Monday. He warned about a possible strike on the capital. He described Russia’s words as an explicit threat. Zelensky said Moscow searched for excuses to continue fighting. He said Russia viewed ceasefire progress as a setback.
Call for International Awareness
Zelensky urged international partners to react firmly. He warned against silence in response to Russian accusations. He said global inaction would encourage escalation. He stressed the need to defend diplomatic efforts toward peace.
Lavrov Says Russian Defences Neutralised Drones
Lavrov said Russian air defence systems intercepted and destroyed all drones. He said the incident caused no casualties or damage. He accused Kyiv of engaging in state terrorism. He said Russia would revise its negotiating position. Lavrov added that talks with the United States would continue.
Kremlin Declines to Share Proof
The Kremlin said it would not present evidence of the alleged attack. A spokesman said Russia would harden its negotiation stance. Ukraine’s foreign minister urged other countries to dismiss the claim. Andrii Sybiha said Russia provided no credible evidence. He said no attack occurred.
Peace Efforts Continue with Washington
The allegation followed talks between Ukraine and the United States in Florida. Presidents Trump and Zelensky discussed a revised peace proposal. Zelensky later said ending the war in 2026 remained possible. He said Ukraine could not prevail without US support.
Zelensky praised Trump’s willingness to use sanctions and economic pressure. He said decisive US action could speed up peace. He said Washington could push negotiations forward.
Zelensky Expresses Distrust Toward Moscow
Zelensky said he saw no indication that Putin wanted peace. He said he did not trust the Russian leader. He said Putin opposed Ukraine’s success. Zelensky said the United States offered security guarantees for 15 years. Trump said negotiators had nearly completed that agreement.
Territory Remains a Key Obstacle
Zelensky said territorial disputes remained unresolved. He identified the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant as a major issue. He said talks showed little progress on Donbas. Russia seeks full control of the region. Moscow controls most of Donetsk and nearly all of Luhansk. Together, the regions form Donbas.
Russia has rejected key parts of the proposal. The White House said Trump held a positive call with Putin. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Putin raised the alleged attack. He said the claim followed talks Washington viewed as successful.
Trump Responds to Putin’s Version
Ushakov said Trump reacted with shock and anger. He said Trump questioned such actions. Ushakov said the issue could affect US cooperation with Zelensky. Trump later said he initially lacked details. He said Putin later informed him. Trump said the information angered him.
Asked about evidence, Trump said officials would determine the facts. He said the attack might not have happened. He said Putin told him the incident occurred.
