Ukraine dismissed Russian accusations of a drone attack on one of President Vladimir Putin’s residences. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Moscow spread false claims to disrupt peace efforts. He accused Russia of manufacturing a pretext for further aggression. Ukrainian officials said Ukraine carried out no such operation.
Russia Reports Alleged Overnight Drone Attack
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed Ukraine launched 91 long-range drones overnight. He said the drones targeted Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod region. Russian authorities did not disclose Putin’s whereabouts at the time. Moscow said it would reassess its approach to peace negotiations.
Kyiv Describes Claims as Deliberate Falsehoods
Zelensky described the accusation as a calculated lie. He said the Kremlin used misinformation to prolong the war. He recalled earlier Russian strikes on Ukrainian government buildings. Zelensky warned the claim could signal preparations for new attacks.
“Everyone must remain vigilant now,” Zelensky told journalists on Monday. He warned of a possible strike on the capital. He called Russia’s statements an open threat. Zelensky said Moscow searched for excuses to continue fighting. He said Russia viewed ceasefire progress as failure.
Zelensky Urges Global Attention
Zelensky called on the international community to respond firmly. He warned against silence in the face of Russian accusations. He said global inaction would embolden further escalation. He stressed the importance of protecting diplomatic efforts.
Lavrov Says Air Defences Stopped All Drones
Lavrov said Russian air defences intercepted and destroyed all drones. He reported no casualties and no 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 Present Evidence
The Kremlin said it would not provide evidence of the alleged attack. A spokesman said Russia would harden its negotiating position. Ukraine’s foreign minister urged other countries to ignore the claims. Andrii Sybiha said Russia offered no plausible proof. He said no attack occurred.
Talks with Washington Continue
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 apply sanctions and economic pressure. He said strong US action could accelerate peace. He said Washington could move the process forward.
Distrust Between Kyiv and Moscow
Zelensky said he saw no sign 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 nearly finalised that agreement.
Territory Remains the Central Obstacle
Zelensky said territorial disputes remained unresolved. He highlighted the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant as a key issue. He said talks showed little progress on Donbas. Russia seeks full control of the region. Moscow controls most of Donetsk and almost all of Luhansk. Together, the regions form Donbas.
Russia has rejected major elements of the proposed plan. The White House said Trump held a positive call with Putin. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Putin raised the alleged attack. He said the claim followed talks Washington viewed as successful.
Trump Responds to Putin’s Claims
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 details. He said Putin later briefed him. Trump said the information angered him.
Asked about evidence, Trump said officials would determine the facts. He said the attack might not have happened. He said Putin told him the incident occurred.
