E-Paper
Russia claims Ukraine attacked Putin's residence, Zelensky slams 'lies'
It was not immediately known whether Putin was at the residence at the time of the alleged attack.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday that Ukraine had attempted to strike President Vladimir Putin’s state residence in Russia’s Novgorod region, warning that the alleged attack would alter Moscow’s negotiating stance, according to Interfax.
Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Russia’s allegations of an attack on President Putin’s residence, calling the claims “lies.”
‘Reckless and state terrorism’: Russian Foreign Minister
Lavrov said Ukraine launched 91 long-range drones at the presidential residence over December 28–29, calling the action “reckless” and vowing it would not go unanswered, Reuters reported.
The drones were all destroyed by Russian air defences, Lavrov said.
He added that the attack amounted to "state terrorism."
It was not immediately known whether Putin was at the residence at the time of the alleged attack.
He said targets had already been identified for retaliatory strikes by Russia’s armed forces.
Lavrov added that the alleged attack occurred amid discussions on a possible Ukrainian peace deal and said that while Russia would remain engaged in negotiations, Moscow’s position would be reassessed.
Zelensky rejected the accusation as false, saying Russia was laying the groundwork for strikes on government buildings in Kyiv.
Zelensky's response
“Russia is at it again, using dangerous statements to undermine all achievements of our shared diplomatic efforts with President Trump's team. We keep working together to bring peace closer,”
This alleged "residence strike" story is a complete fabrication intended to justify additional attacks against Ukraine, including Kyiv, as well as Russia’s own refusal to take necessary steps to end the war. Typical Russian lies. Furthermore, the Russians have already targeted Kyiv in the past, including the Cabinet of Ministers building.
Ukraine does not take steps that can undermine diplomacy. To the contrary, Russia always takes such steps. This is one of many differences between us.
It is critical that the world doesn’t stay silent now. We cannot allow Russia to undermine the work on achieving a lasting peace," Zelensky wrote on X.
Peace plan under review after alleged attack
Vladimir Putin told Donald Trump on Monday that Moscow would reassess its stance in peace talks following what Russia described as a Ukrainian drone attack on a Russian presidential residence, the Kremlin said.
