Ukraine has rejected claims by Russia that it launched a drone attack on one of President Vladimir Putin’s residences, calling the allegations “typical Russian lies” aimed at undermining ongoing peace negotiations.

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Russian Claims

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Kyiv had allegedly used 91 long-range unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to target Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod region. Lavrov claimed that all drones were intercepted and destroyed by Russian air defence systems, with no casualties or damage reported.

Lavrov added that Russia would now review its position in peace negotiations, though it had no plans to exit talks with the United States.

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Ukraine’s Response

President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the claims as a propaganda move, asserting that Russia was seeking an excuse to continue attacks on Ukrainian cities. On X, Zelensky wrote:

“It is critical that the world doesn’t stay silent now. We cannot allow Russia to undermine the work on achieving a lasting peace.”

He emphasized that Ukraine cannot secure victory without US support and highlighted that security guarantees from the US for 15 years are “close to 95%” finalized.

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Context: Peace Talks and US Involvement

The alleged attack comes shortly after talks between Trump and Zelensky in Florida, where they discussed a revised plan to end the war. Zelensky told Fox News that there is a “possibility to finish this war” in 2026, though he added that territorial disputes, including Russian control of Donbas and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, remain unresolved.

Russia currently controls approximately 75% of Donetsk and nearly all of Luhansk, collectively known as Donbas. Moscow has previously rejected key parts of the proposed peace plan.

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US Reaction

Following the discussions, the White House said President Trump had “concluded a positive call” with Putin. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov claimed that Putin highlighted the alleged drone attack immediately after the US-Ukraine talks, causing Trump to be “angry” and concerned about how the incident could affect US-Ukraine relations.

Trump initially seemed unaware of the alleged attack but later confirmed he had been briefed by Putin and expressed anger over the reported incident. When asked about evidence supporting Russia’s claim, Trump stated:

“Well we’ll find out. You’re saying maybe the attack didn’t take place – that’s possible too, I guess. But President Putin told me this morning it did.”