Ukraine Rejects Russian Claims of Drone Strike on Putin’s Residence

 Kyiv has strongly denied Moscow’s accusations that Ukrainian forces attempted a drone strike on President Vladimir Putin’s residence in Russia’s Novgorod region.

Zelensky Responds to Allegations

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the claims as “typical Russian lies,” accusing the Kremlin of fabricating the story to undermine ongoing peace negotiations. Speaking at a press conference, Zelensky emphasized that Russia has previously targeted government buildings in Kyiv and warned that Moscow’s narrative is designed to justify further aggression.

On social media platform X, Zelensky urged global leaders not to remain silent: “We cannot allow Russia to derail efforts toward lasting peace.”

Russia’s Statement

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov alleged that Ukraine launched 91 long‑range drones overnight aimed at Putin’s state residence. According to Lavrov, all drones were intercepted by Russian air defense systems, with no casualties or damage reported.

Lavrov added that Russia would “revise its negotiating position” in light of what he described as “state terrorism” by Kyiv, though he insisted Moscow would not withdraw from talks with the United States.

Peace Talks Context

The accusations surfaced shortly after high‑level discussions in Florida between U.S. President Donald Trump and Zelensky. Both leaders reviewed a revised peace plan, with Trump noting that security guarantees for Ukraine were “95% agreed.”

Zelensky highlighted unresolved issues, including the status of the Russian‑occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and territorial disputes in the Donbas region. Russia currently controls about 75% of Donetsk and nearly all of Luhansk, areas collectively known as Donbas.

U.S. Reaction

The White House confirmed that Trump held a “positive call” with Putin following the Florida talks. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Putin informed Trump of the alleged drone incident, which reportedly left the U.S. president “shocked and angry.”

At a later press conference, Trump initially said he was unaware of the incident but later acknowledged that Putin had briefed him. He added, “We’ll find out. Maybe the attack didn’t happen — that’s possible too. But President Putin told me it did.”