Russia accused Ukraine of attempting a drone attack on Putin’s residence during peace talks. Trump criticized the timing and urged restraint.
The Russian government accused Ukraine of attempting a long-range drone attack on an official residence of President Vladimir Putin, an incident that Moscow said took place amid diplomatic negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year.
Russian authorities warned that the move could trigger consequences and would not go unanswered.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that during the night of December 28–29, Ukrainian forces launched 91 long-range drones toward a presidential residence in the Novgorod region.
According to official accounts, Russian air defense systems intercepted and destroyed all the drones, with no casualties or material damage reported.
Lavrov stressed that the alleged attack occurred at a particularly sensitive moment, as Russia continues talks with the United States to explore a negotiated solution to the conflict.
“We want to emphasize that this action took place during intense negotiations. Such reckless acts will not go unanswered,” the foreign minister said.
Despite the strong language, Lavrov clarified that Moscow does not plan to abandon diplomatic dialogue with Washington. However, he warned that Russia would reassess its negotiating position, arguing that Kyiv’s leadership has embraced what he described as methods of “state terrorism.”
The Ukrainian government firmly rejected the accusations. Officials in Kyiv denied any involvement and described the claims as a fabrication designed to undermine ongoing peace efforts.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said the allegations were intended to justify potential escalation or tougher Russian demands at the negotiating table.
The incident also drew reactions from the United States. President Donald Trump publicly criticized the reported attack and described it as ill-timed given the fragile diplomatic context. He said President Putin had personally informed him of the incident earlier in the day.
“That’s not good. This is not the right moment for something like that,” Trump said, drawing a distinction between offensive actions in wartime and a direct strike on a presidential residence. “There’s a big difference between fighting and attacking someone’s home,” he added.
Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump emphasized the delicacy of the current negotiations. “I heard about it today from President Putin, and I was very angry,” he reiterated.
His remarks came after Moscow warned that it could reconsider its stance in the peace process following the alleged drone attack. Zelensky again dismissed the Russian account, calling it “typical Russian lies” aimed at “undermining all diplomatic achievements so far.”
As a result, tensions between Russia, Ukraine, and Western powers have intensified once more, underscoring how military actions and political statements continue to shape the fragile path toward negotiations.
