Ukraine dismissed Russian claims of a drone attack on one of President Vladimir Putin’s residences. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Moscow spread false accusations to undermine peace efforts. He accused Russia of inventing a reason for further escalation. Ukrainian officials said Ukraine carried out no such attack.
Russia Accuses Ukraine of Large Drone Assault
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 disclose Putin’s location at the time. Moscow said it would review its position in peace negotiations.
Zelensky Says Moscow Uses Disinformation
Zelensky described the allegation as a deliberate falsehood. He said the Kremlin relied on lies to prolong the war. He pointed to earlier Russian attacks on Ukrainian government buildings. Zelensky warned the accusation could signal preparations for new strikes.
“Everyone must remain vigilant now,” Zelensky told journalists on Monday. He warned of a possible strike on the capital. He described Russia’s statements as a clear threat. Zelensky said Moscow searched for excuses to continue the conflict. He said Russia saw ceasefire progress as failure.
Call for Global Attention
Zelensky urged the international community to respond firmly. He warned against silence in the face of Russian claims. He said inaction would encourage further aggression. He stressed the importance of defending diplomatic efforts.
Lavrov Claims Drones Were Destroyed
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 Refuses to Provide Proof
The Kremlin said it would not present evidence of the alleged attack. A spokesman said Russia would harden its negotiating position. Ukraine’s foreign minister urged other countries to ignore the accusations. Andrii Sybiha said Russia offered no credible evidence. He said no attack occurred.
Peace Talks Continue with US Support
The claim 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 could not succeed without US support.
Zelensky praised Trump’s willingness to apply sanctions and economic pressure. He said strong US action could accelerate peace. He said Washington could move negotiations forward.
Zelensky Expresses Distrust Toward 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 completed that agreement.
Territorial Issues Remain Unresolved
Zelensky said territorial disputes remained unresolved. He highlighted the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant as a major issue. 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 viewed as successful.
Trump Responds to Russian Version
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 details. He said Putin later informed him. Trump said the information 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.
