Russia Claims Ukraine Tried to Hit Putin’s Residence, Kyiv Calls It False

In Shorts

• Russia claims Ukraine launched drones at Putin’s Novgorod residence, all reportedly intercepted.
• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy calls the allegation false and warns it may be used to justify further strikes.
• The incident adds strain to ongoing peace talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States.

Russia has publicly accused Ukraine of attempting a coordinated drone attack on one of President Vladimir Putin’s official residences in the Novgorod region, located between Moscow and Saint Petersburg. According to Moscow, 91 long-range drones were intercepted and destroyed by Russian air defenses before they could cause harm. Russian authorities have described the action as a reckless assault, asserting it will have consequences for ongoing negotiations.

The alleged incident was highlighted during recent diplomatic exchanges, including discussions between President Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. Russian officials said that the claimed attack could prompt a revision of Moscow’s negotiating stance in efforts to end the prolonged conflict.

Kyiv, however, has strongly rejected the accusations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed the narrative as a deliberate falsehood, designed to undermine diplomatic progress and to create a pretext for further Russian military actions. Zelenskyy and other Ukrainian officials have urged the international community to view the claims with skepticism, emphasizing that Ukraine remains committed to peaceful negotiation and defense within its own territory.

Zelenskyy suggested the timing of the Russian claims was strategic, coming after recent peace discussions with the United States aimed at forging security guarantees and stopping hostilities. Ukrainian leaders argue that Moscow is using the allegation to justify future attacks, potentially including strikes on government buildings in Kyiv.

As tensions persist, both sides continue to trade accusations while diplomats work to secure a framework for a lasting cessation of hostilities. The episode around the alleged attack on Putin’s residence has further complicated an already fraught peace process, highlighting the deep mistrust that still exists in relations between Russia and Ukraine.