Russia Cites Alleged 91‑Drone Strike on Putin Residence, Ukraine Denies, Talks Tighten
Updated (2 articles)
Russia Claims 91 Drones Targeted Putin Residence Russia’s foreign minister Lavrov said Ukraine launched 91 long‑range drones at the presidential residence in the Novgorod region on Dec 28‑29, and Russian air defenses destroyed every one with no casualties or damage. He labeled the act “state terrorism” and announced that retaliatory targets had already been selected. No public evidence of the strike was provided. [1][2]
Ukraine Rejects Attack Allegation as Fabrication President Volodymyr Zelensky called the accusation a lie meant to derail peace negotiations, while Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said no plausible evidence exists of any drone assault. Kyiv warned Moscow could use the claim as a pretext for further strikes on Ukrainian territory, including Kyiv itself. Ukraine urged other nations not to respond to Russian statements. [1][2]
Moscow Says Incident Will Harden Negotiating Position Lavrov announced that Russia will review its stance and adopt a tougher position in the ongoing peace process, tying the alleged attack to a possible shift in Russian demands. The Kremlin reported that President Putin discussed the incident with U.S. President Donald Trump, and that the United States is pressing Kyiv toward a final settlement. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov emphasized the U.S. push for a definitive agreement influences Moscow’s response. [1][2]
U.S.-Backed Peace Talks Continue Despite Tensions U.S.–Ukraine talks in Florida proceeded, with Zelensky suggesting the war could end by 2026 if conditions allow and reaffirming continued U.S. support. The discussions highlighted the Donbas region as the main obstacle, noting Russian control of about 75 % of Donetsk and 99 % of Luhansk. Both reports indicate diplomatic momentum persists even as rhetoric intensifies. [1]
Sources
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1.
BBC: Ukraine denies drone attack on Putin’s residence: Reports Zelensky’s denial, Russian claim of 91 drones, and continuation of Florida peace talks, emphasizing Donbas as a hurdle and Trump’s comments.
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2.
The Hindu: Russia says Ukraine attacked Putin’s residence; Moscow reviews negotiating stance: Details Lavrov’s accusation, planned retaliatory strikes, Putin’s discussion with Trump, and Moscow’s intent to harden its negotiating position.
Timeline
Dec 2025 (ongoing) – Russia controls roughly 75 % of Donetsk and 99 % of Luhansk, making Donbas the chief obstacle to any settlement and shaping the backdrop of the upcoming diplomatic moves[1].
Dec 28‑29, 2025 – Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claims Ukraine launches a 91‑drone strike on President Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod region, says all drones are intercepted, labels the act “state terrorism,” and announces retaliatory targets have been selected[2].
Dec 28‑29, 2025 – President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejects the claim as a fabrication, warns it could serve as a pretext for further Russian strikes on Kyiv, and says no evidence exists of any attack[1].
Dec 28‑29, 2025 – A Kremlin spokesman says Russia will not provide evidence of the alleged strike but will “strengthen its negotiating position,” indicating Moscow intends to stay at the negotiating table[1].
Dec 28‑29, 2025 – Ukraine’s foreign minister Andrii Sybiha urges the international community not to react to Moscow’s claim, emphasizing the lack of plausible evidence and the need to avoid escalation[1].
Dec 28‑29, 2025 – President Putin discusses the alleged drone incident with U.S. President Donald Trump, after which the Kremlin says it will review its negotiating stance in light of the claim[2].
Dec 28‑29, 2025 – Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov notes that U.S. negotiators press Kyiv for concrete steps toward a final settlement rather than a temporary ceasefire, and that Putin was briefed by Trump on Washington’s talks[2].
Dec 30, 2025 – In Florida, U.S.–Ukraine talks cover a revised peace plan; Zelenskyy says the war could end by 2026 if conditions allow and stresses continued U.S. support, while President Trump comments positively on the discussion[1].
Dec 30, 2025 (future outlook) – Zelenskyy projects a possible end to the conflict in 2026, contingent on progress in negotiations and sustained international backing[1].