Ukraine rejected Russian allegations of a drone attack on one of President Vladimir Putin’s residences. President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of spreading false claims to derail peace efforts. He said Russia sought justification for further military escalation. Ukrainian officials said Ukraine conducted no such attack.
Russia Describes Alleged Overnight Drone Strike
Russian 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 confirm Putin’s location during the incident. Moscow said it would reconsider its position in peace negotiations.
Zelensky Says Moscow Invents Pretexts
Zelensky called the allegations fabricated and intentional. He said the Kremlin used disinformation to prolong the war. He referenced earlier Russian attacks on Ukrainian government buildings. Zelensky warned the accusation could precede further strikes.
“Everyone must remain vigilant now,” Zelensky told journalists on Monday. He warned of a possible attack on the capital. He described Russia’s statements as a direct threat. Zelensky said Moscow searched for excuses to continue the war. He said Russia treated ceasefire progress as defeat.
Appeal to the International Community
Zelensky urged global leaders to respond decisively. He warned against silence toward Russian accusations. He said inaction would encourage further aggression. He stressed the need to defend diplomatic efforts for peace.
Lavrov Claims Russian Defences Intercepted 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 Declines to Release Evidence
The Kremlin said it would not provide evidence of the alleged attack. A spokesman said Russia would toughen its negotiating approach. Ukraine’s foreign minister urged other countries to ignore the claims. Andrii Sybiha said Russia offered no credible proof. He said no attack occurred.
US and Ukraine Continue Peace Discussions
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 depended on continued US support.
Zelensky praised Trump’s readiness to impose sanctions and economic pressure. He said decisive US action could accelerate peace. He said Washington could move negotiations forward.
Zelensky Voices Distrust of Putin
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 Unresolved
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 elements of the proposal. The White House said Trump held a positive call with Putin. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Putin mentioned the alleged attack. He said the claim followed talks Washington considered successful.
Trump Responds to Russian 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.
