Ukraine rejected Russian accusations that it carried out a drone attack on one of President Vladimir Putin’s residences. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Moscow spread false claims to block peace efforts. He accused Russia of inventing a pretext to justify further military actions. Ukrainian officials confirmed no such strike took place.
Russia Claims Large-Scale Drone Attack
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 disclose Putin’s location during the alleged attack. Moscow said it would reassess its position in peace negotiations.
Zelensky Calls Accusation False
Zelensky described the claim as deliberate misinformation. He said the Kremlin relied on lies to prolong the war. He cited earlier Russian attacks on Ukrainian government buildings. Zelensky warned the accusation could precede further strikes.
“Everyone must remain vigilant now,” Zelensky told journalists on Monday. He warned of a possible strike on Kyiv. He described Russia’s statements as a direct threat. Zelensky said Moscow sought excuses to continue fighting. He said Russia treated ceasefire progress as failure.
Appeal to the International Community
Zelensky urged global leaders to act decisively. He warned that silence could encourage further Russian aggression. He stressed the need to protect diplomatic efforts toward lasting peace.
Lavrov Says Air Defences Neutralised Drones
Lavrov said Russian air defence systems intercepted and destroyed all drones. He reported no casualties or damage. He accused Kyiv of pursuing state terrorism. He said Russia would revise its negotiating stance. Lavrov added that talks with the United States would continue.
Kremlin Refuses to Provide Evidence
The Kremlin said it would not release proof of the alleged strike. A spokesman said Russia would harden its negotiating position. Ukraine’s foreign minister urged other countries to ignore the claim. Andrii Sybiha said Russia offered no credible evidence. He said no attack occurred.
Peace Talks Continue with US Support
The allegation followed talks between Ukraine and the United States in Florida. Presidents Trump and Zelensky discussed a revised peace plan. Zelensky later said ending the war in 2026 remained possible. He said Ukraine could not succeed without continued US support.
Zelensky praised Trump’s readiness to apply sanctions and economic pressure. He said strong US action could accelerate peace. He added that Washington could advance negotiations quickly.
Distrust Between Kyiv and Moscow Persists
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 15-year security guarantees. Trump said negotiators had nearly finalised that agreement.
Territorial Issues Remain Unresolved
Zelensky said territorial disputes remained unsettled. He highlighted the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant as a key concern. 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 rejected key parts of the proposal. The White House said Trump held a positive call with Putin. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Putin mentioned the alleged attack. He said the claim followed talks Washington considered successful.
Trump Responds to Alleged Incident
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 information. He said Putin briefed him afterward. Trump said the report angered him.
Asked about evidence, Trump said officials would investigate. He said the attack might not have occurred. He said Putin told him the incident happened.
