Allegations Surface Amid Fragile Peace Talks
Russian officials say Ukraine launched a drone attack Monday on one of President Vladimir Putin’s official residences in the Novgorod region, alleging dozens of long-range drones were involved.
Ukraine has flatly denied Russia’s claim that dozens of drones targeted Putin’s residence, noting that Moscow has offered no public evidence to back up the allegation.
There has been no independent confirmation of an attack, and Russian state media has released no footage, wreckage, or other proof.
The Novgorod residence itself is among the most heavily defended sites in Russia, protected by multiple layers of air defenses — including S-300 systems, electronic warfare assets, and towering anti-aircraft structures — built up after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The allegations surfaced amid fragile diplomatic efforts to end the war.
Trump Reacts After Speaking With Putin
President Trump said Monday he was “very angry” after learning of the reported incident.
Speaking to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump said he had been informed earlier that morning and confirmed that Putin personally told him about the alleged attack.
The Hill provides more details:
The Kremlin’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow’s negotiating position to end its war in Ukraine was under review after it claimed Kyiv tried to attack the presidential residence in the Novgorod region overnight with 91 long-range drones. Lavrov said all drones were destroyed by Russian air defenses, with no injuries or damage.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, meanwhile, said Russia’s claims were “a complete fabrication intended to justify additional attacks against Ukraine” and undermine peace talks, according to a post to the social platform X.
“It’s a delicate period of time. This is not the right time,” Trump added, likely referring to ongoing peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. “It’s one thing to be offensive, because [Russia is] offensive, it’s another thing to attack [Putin’s] house. It’s not the right time to do any of that. … I was very angry about it.”
Asked if there’s evidence of the attack, Trump replied: “Well, we’ll find out. You’re saying maybe the attack didn’t take place? That’s possible, I guess, but President Putin told me this morning.”
According to statements from the Kremlin, Trump used the conversation to push for concrete steps toward a negotiated peace settlement rather than simply backing a temporary ceasefire.
Kyiv Calls Claim a ‘Russian Lie’
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the accusation, calling it a “typical Russian lie.”
Zelensky said the claim was designed to undermine ongoing peace talks and to justify future Russian military action. He warned Moscow could use the allegation as cover for expanded strikes, including possible attacks on government buildings in Kyiv.
Ukrainian officials continue to insist there was no attack on Putin’s residence and say Russia has provided no proof.
Russian Strikes Intensify Over the Weekend
The disputed claim followed a major Russian offensive against Ukraine over the weekend of Dec. 27–28, just before and during high-level peace discussions between Zelensky and Trump.
On Saturday, Russia launched one of its largest aerial assaults of the year, firing about 519 drones and 40 missiles. Ukrainian officials said the barrage lasted nearly 10 hours and heavily targeted energy infrastructure and residential areas in Kyiv.
Strikes continued into Sunday morning, with Ukraine’s air force reporting another wave of 48 drones hitting nine locations across the country.
No Independent Confirmation
As of now, there is no verified evidence that Ukraine targeted Putin’s residence, and questions remain about the timing and purpose of Moscow’s claim.
The competing narratives underscore the deep mistrust on both sides, even as international pressure grows to bring the conflict to an end.
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Has the stamp of the warmongering CIA all over it.