United States President Donald Trump has dismissed reports that Ukrainian forces targeted Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residence, after initially accepting the Kremlin’s claim. Meanwhile, Russia carried out overnight strikes on Kyiv, killing two people and causing further destruction in the region.

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Trump Rejects Alleged Drone Strike

On Sunday night, speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump told reporters that he did not believe Ukraine had attacked Putin’s residence.

“Nobody knew at that moment whether the report was accurate,” Trump said, adding that while “something” occurred near Putin’s residence, US intelligence officials concluded that Ukraine did not carry out the strike.

The alleged incident was first reported after the Russian Ministry of Defence released a video of a downed drone, claiming it was launched by Kyiv at the Novgorod region residence of Vladimir Putin. Russian officials stated that the residence suffered no damage and that Putin was not present at the time.

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Ukraine Denies Involvement

Ukraine immediately rejected the Russian claim, accusing Moscow of staging a false-flag operation intended to undermine peace negotiations. Western allies of Kyiv also disputed the attack’s authenticity, questioning the Kremlin’s narrative.

The claim emerged amid ongoing talks between Russia and Ukraine aimed at a ceasefire agreement to end the nearly four-year-long war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a US-backed ceasefire plan is “90 percent ready”, with territorial disputes over previously captured land remaining a key sticking point. European leaders are expected to meet in France on Tuesday for further discussions.

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Russian Strikes in Kyiv Result in Civilian Deaths

In a separate development, Ukraine reported that overnight Russian attacks on Kyiv led to the first civilian deaths of 2026.

• A medical facility in the Obolonskyi district caught fire, and one body was recovered after firefighters extinguished the flames. A woman was injured, and 25 people were evacuated.
• In the Fastiv district, southwest of Kyiv, a man in his 70s was killed as homes and critical infrastructure were damaged, leaving parts of the region without power.

The State Emergency Service of Ukraine confirmed the damage and casualties on Telegram, while Russia has not yet commented on these overnight strikes.

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Context and Implications

The alleged drone strike on Putin’s residence comes at a sensitive moment in the conflict, as both sides consider negotiations for a formal ceasefire. If verified, such attacks could complicate peace talks and increase tensions between Russia, Ukraine, and international mediators.

Meanwhile, continued Russian strikes in Kyiv and surrounding regions underline the fragile security situation, highlighting the risks to civilians and the ongoing humanitarian impact of the war.

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Key Takeaways

• Trump dismisses Kremlin claim that Ukraine targeted Putin’s residence.
• Russian Ministry of Defence had released a video of a downed drone, claiming it was a Ukrainian strike.
• Ukraine and Western allies dispute the attack, calling it a false-flag operation.
• Ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine are ongoing, with territorial disputes remaining a central issue.
• Overnight Russian attacks in Kyiv killed two civilians and damaged critical infrastructure.
• The conflict continues to cause humanitarian crises and disruption across the Kyiv region.