Ukraine rejected Russian accusations of a drone attack on one of President Vladimir Putin’s residences. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Moscow spread false claims to obstruct peace efforts. He accused Russia of inventing a justification for renewed military escalation. Ukrainian officials said no Ukrainian operation targeted any Russian residence.
Russia Alleges Overnight Drone Strike
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 reveal Putin’s location at the time. Moscow said it would reconsider its stance in peace negotiations.
Zelensky Describes Claim as Political Manipulation
Zelensky called the accusation a calculated fabrication. He said the Kremlin used disinformation to prolong the war. He recalled earlier Russian attacks on Ukrainian government buildings. Zelensky warned the allegation could prepare the ground for new strikes.
“Everyone must remain alert now,” Zelensky told journalists on Monday. He warned of a possible attack on the capital. He described Russia’s language as an open threat. Zelensky said Moscow searched for excuses to continue fighting. He said Russia treated ceasefire progress as defeat.
Appeal for International Vigilance
Zelensky urged the international community to respond firmly. He warned against silence toward Russian accusations. He said global inaction would encourage further aggression. He stressed the need to protect diplomatic efforts toward lasting peace.
Lavrov Says Air Defences Destroyed All Drones
Lavrov said Russian air defence systems 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 position. Lavrov added that talks with the United States would continue.
Kremlin Withholds Evidence
The Kremlin said it would not provide evidence of the alleged attack. A spokesman said Russia would toughen its negotiating stance. Ukraine’s foreign minister urged other countries to dismiss the claim. Andrii Sybiha said Russia provided no plausible proof. He said no attack occurred.
US and Ukraine Continue Peace Efforts
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 continued US support.
Zelensky praised Trump’s readiness to impose sanctions and economic pressure. He said strong US action could accelerate peace. He said Washington could move negotiations forward more quickly.
Deep Distrust 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.
Territory Remains the Main Obstacle
Zelensky said territorial disputes 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 almost all of Luhansk. Together, the regions form Donbas.
Russia has rejected key parts of the proposal. 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 considered successful.
Trump Reacts to Putin’s Account
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.
