Russian officials claimed Monday that Ukraine attempted to strike President Vladimir Putin’s state residence, an allegation Kyiv immediately rejected as false and dangerous.
The claim was made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who warned that the alleged incident would force Moscow to reassess its position in ongoing negotiations.
Russia alleges drone attack on presidential residence
Lavrov said Ukraine launched 91 long-range drones at Putin’s state residence in Russia’s Novgorod region between December 28 and 29, according to Interfax. He described the alleged action as “reckless” and said it amounted to “state terrorism.”
Lavrov claimed all drones were intercepted and destroyed by Russian air defences, adding that the incident would not go unanswered. It was not immediately known whether Vladimir Putin was at the residence at the time of the alleged attack.
Moscow warns of retaliation
Lavrov said Russia’s armed forces had already identified targets for retaliatory strikes and indicated the alleged attack would affect Russia’s negotiating posture.
He added that the incident occurred amid discussions over a possible Ukrainian peace proposal, stating that while Russia would remain engaged in talks, its position would be reassessed. Reuters reported that Lavrov described the alleged strike as an act of state terrorism.
Zelensky rejects allegations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky strongly denied the accusations, calling them “lies” and accusing Russia of fabricating the story to justify further attacks.
Russia is at it again, using dangerous statements to undermine all achievements of our shared diplomatic efforts with President Trump’s team. We keep working together to bring peace closer.
This alleged “residence strike” story is a complete fabrication intended to justify…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 29, 2025
Zelensky said Russia was laying the groundwork for potential strikes on government buildings in Kyiv and warned that such claims undermine diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war.
Warning against escalation
In a statement posted on X, Zelensky said Russia was using “dangerous statements” to derail diplomatic progress and justify additional military action. He said Ukraine does not take steps that undermine diplomacy and urged the international community not to remain silent.
Zelensky also noted that Kyiv has previously been targeted by Russian strikes, including attacks on government buildings.
Peace talks under reassessment
According to the Kremlin, Putin told Donald Trump that Moscow would reassess its stance in peace talks following what Russia described as a Ukrainian drone attack on the presidential residence.
The situation remains fluid, with sharply conflicting accounts from Moscow and Kyiv.
