Ukraine dismissed Russian claims of a drone attack on one of President Vladimir Putin’s residences. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Moscow spread false accusations to block peace efforts. He accused Russia of inventing a pretext for further military action. Ukrainian officials confirmed no such operation took place.
Russia Reports Alleged Drone Attack Overnight
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 incident. Moscow said it would reassess its approach to peace negotiations.
Zelensky Calls Accusation a Fabrication
Zelensky described the claim as a deliberate falsehood. He said the Kremlin relied on misinformation to prolong the war. He referenced previous Russian strikes on Ukrainian government buildings. Zelensky warned the allegation could precede new attacks.
“Everyone must stay alert now,” Zelensky told journalists on Monday. He warned of a potential strike on the capital. He called Russia’s statements an explicit threat. Zelensky said Moscow searched for excuses to continue the war. He said Russia viewed ceasefire progress as a failure.
Call for International Action
Zelensky urged the global community to respond decisively. He warned against silence in the face of Russian accusations. He said inaction could encourage further aggression. He stressed the need to protect diplomatic efforts toward peace.
Lavrov Says Air Defences Destroyed All 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 Declines to Provide Proof
The Kremlin said it would not release evidence of the alleged strike. A spokesman said Russia would toughen its negotiating position. Ukraine’s foreign minister urged other nations to ignore the claim. Andrii Sybiha said Russia offered no credible evidence. He said no attack occurred.
US and Ukraine Continue Peace Talks
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 US support.
Zelensky praised Trump’s readiness to use sanctions and economic pressure. He said strong US action could accelerate peace. He said Washington could move negotiations forward quickly.
Distrust Remains Between Kyiv and 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 finalised that agreement.
Territorial Disputes Continue
Zelensky said territorial issues remained unresolved. He highlighted the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power 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 has rejected key parts of the proposed plan. 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 matter could affect US cooperation with Zelensky. Trump later said he initially lacked information. He said Putin briefed him later. Trump said the news 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.
