The Kremlin has announced that Russia will need to reconsider its approach to peace negotiations following what Moscow describes as a Ukrainian drone attack on a presidential residence. The statement came after President Putin discussed the alleged incident with Donald Trump, signaling potential complications for diplomatic initiatives.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Ukraine of launching 91 long-range drones at Putin’s state residence in Novgorod region during December 28-29. He characterized the alleged operation as reckless state terrorism and warned that Russia would respond with military force. Lavrov confirmed that despite successful interception of all drones by air defense systems, Moscow had prepared retaliation plans.
President Zelensky rejected Russian allegations as complete fabrications, arguing that Moscow was manufacturing justification for attacks on Ukrainian government buildings in Kyiv. He suggested that Russia was deliberately attempting to sabotage diplomatic progress, particularly efforts involving Trump administration representatives. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine remains committed to supporting peace processes rather than undermining them.
Russian authorities reported that air defense networks successfully eliminated all incoming threats to the presidential compound. However, Lavrov indicated that the alleged attack attempt would necessitate reassessment of Moscow’s negotiating position. He stated that while Russia would continue engaging in diplomatic discussions, the incident required recalculation of Russia’s expectations and willingness to compromise.
Zelensky called on world leaders to actively counter Russian disinformation rather than remaining silent. He warned that Moscow’s claims threatened to disrupt diplomatic momentum at a critical moment. The Ukrainian president referenced Russia’s history of attacking Ukrainian government facilities, including the Cabinet of Ministers building, as evidence of a pattern where Moscow accuses others of actions it regularly commits. He stressed that preventing successful Russian manipulation requires sustained international attention and consistent public exposure of tactics designed to shift blame and justify continued military operations.