Russia accuses Ukraine of drone attack on Putin residence
Russia has publicly accused Ukraine of launching a large-scale drone attack aimed at one of President Vladimir Putin’s residences in the Novgorod region of northwestern Russia. The Russian government statement says that around ninety-one long-range unmanned aerial vehicles were involved in the alleged assault on the presidential residence at Valdai, and that all of the drones were intercepted and destroyed by Russian air defence systems. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov described the accusation as evidence that Ukraine has adopted a policy of “state terrorism” and said that Moscow may revise its negotiating position in ongoing peace talks, although officials also stated that Russia does not intend to withdraw from the diplomacy process. Russia has indicated that it has identified targets and timing for potential retaliatory strikes in response to what it calls a reckless act. The Kremlin has not provided independent evidence to support its claim and reported no casualties or damage from the incident.
Ukraine has strongly denied the allegation, with President Volodymyr Zelensky rejecting the claim as a complete fabrication and accusing Moscow of using the story to undermine ongoing peace negotiations and to justify future military actions. Ukrainian officials insist that Kyiv is committed to diplomacy and does not take steps that would undermine peace efforts. Zelensky and his government argue that Russia may be seeking a pretext to strike government buildings in Kyiv and that the timing of the accusation appears linked to recent discussions aimed at resolving the conflict. Ukraine’s leaders have called on the international community to condemn what they characterize as provocative statements and to support efforts to maintain progress toward a negotiated peace.
The allegation and the denial come at a time of intense tension in the years-long conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with peace talks continuing amid disputes over territorial control and security guarantees. The situation underscores ongoing challenges in the diplomatic process, as each side presents sharply contrasting narratives about actions on and off the battlefield.
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