Ukraine denied Russian claims of a drone attack on one of President Vladimir Putin’s residences. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Moscow spread false accusations to obstruct peace efforts. He accused Russia of creating a pretext for further military escalation. Ukrainian officials said no such strike occurred.
Russia Claims Dozens of Drones Launched Overnight
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 reassess its approach to peace negotiations.
Zelensky Calls Allegation a Fabrication
Zelensky described the claim as a deliberate invention. He said the Kremlin relied on disinformation to prolong the war. He referred to earlier Russian strikes on Ukrainian government buildings. Zelensky warned the accusation could precede new attacks.
“Everyone must remain alert now,” Zelensky told journalists on Monday. He warned of a possible strike on the capital. He described Russia’s language as a direct threat. Zelensky said Moscow searched for reasons to continue fighting. He said Russia viewed ceasefire progress as failure.
Appeal for International Vigilance
Zelensky urged the international community to respond decisively. He warned against silence toward Russian allegations. He said inaction would encourage further aggression. He stressed the need to protect diplomatic efforts toward peace.
Lavrov Says Russian Air Defences Intervened
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 stance. Lavrov added that talks with the United States would continue.
Kremlin Declines to Offer Evidence
The Kremlin said it would not release evidence of the alleged attack. A spokesman said Russia would toughen its negotiating position. Ukraine’s foreign minister urged other countries to disregard the claim. Andrii Sybiha said Russia provided no plausible proof. He said no attack took place.
Peace Discussions Continue with Washington
The accusation 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 depended on continued US support.
Zelensky praised Trump’s readiness to impose sanctions and economic pressure. He said firm US action could accelerate peace. He said Washington could move negotiations forward.
Zelensky Voices Distrust of Kremlin Intentions
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 had nearly finalised that agreement.
Territorial Disputes Remain Central
Zelensky said territorial issues remained unresolved. He highlighted the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant as a major concern. He said talks showed little progress on Donbas. Russia seeks full control of the region. Moscow controls most of Donetsk and nearly 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 information. He said Putin later briefed him. Trump said the report 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.
