CIA Confirms Ukraine Did Not Target Putin Residence After Russian Drone Claim
Updated (2 articles)
Russian Claim of Massive Drone Assault Moscow announced that 91 long‑range drones launched from northern Ukraine aimed at Vladimir Putin’s fortified residence near Valdai in the Novgorod region, releasing footage of a downed drone and saying it had shared flight data with the United States [1][2]. The defense ministry mapped the alleged trajectories, asserting most drones were intercepted hundreds of kilometres away [2]. The claim surfaced in statements on 1 January and was reiterated on 2 January as part of a broader escalation of Russian strikes [1]. Russian officials framed the episode as evidence of Ukrainian aggression targeting the Russian leadership [1].
Ukrainian Leadership Rejects Allegation President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the accusation a fabrication, stating Kyiv possessed no evidence of any operation against the Putin residence [1]. Ukrainian officials emphasized that no Ukrainian units were ordered to strike the site and dismissed the narrative as misinformation [1]. The denial aligns with U.S. intelligence assessments that Ukraine did not conduct such an attack [2]. Zelenskyy’s rebuttal was echoed in Western media citing the lack of credible corroboration [2].
U.S. Intelligence Assessment Undermines Kremlin Narrative The Central Intelligence Agency concluded Ukraine did not target the Putin residence, a finding briefed to CIA Director John Ratcliffe and subsequently to President Donald Trump [2]. The Wall Street Journal first reported the CIA assessment, which contradicted Moscow’s claim and suggested the drone incident either never occurred or was misattributed [2]. Ratcliffe’s briefing emphasized the absence of operational orders or flight plans linking Ukrainian forces to the alleged strike [2]. This intelligence conclusion became a focal point in U.S. discussions about the credibility of Russian statements [2].
Political Reactions and Diplomatic Context Trump expressed anger and skepticism after learning of the CIA’s conclusion, describing the Kremlin’s claim as “troubling” [2]. Moscow maintained its narrative, insisting the drone swarm represented a serious threat to Russian leadership [2]. Meanwhile, diplomatic talks involving the United States, Europe, and Ukraine continued, with Washington offering security guarantees and Kyiv circulating a 20‑point peace plan [1]. The episode unfolded alongside a New Year’s Eve drone strike in Russian‑held Kherson that killed at least 27 people, highlighting the heightened tension on both fronts [1].
Sources
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1.
The Hindu: Russia alleges Ukraine drone attack on Putin residence as new strikes intensify – Details Moscow’s 91‑drone claim, Zelenskyy’s denial, CIA counter‑narrative, and concurrent diplomatic efforts, plus a deadly Kherson strike
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2.
CNN: CIA finds Ukraine did not target Putin residence in drone attack, contradicting Kremlin claim – Reports the CIA assessment, Trump’s reaction, New York Post editorial, WSJ’s scoop, and Russia’s original drone count
Timeline
Dec 31, 2025 – Ukrainian drones strike a cafe and a hotel in Russian‑held Kherson, killing at least 27 people—including a child—and wounding more than 50, marking one of the deadliest attacks as Russia intensifies its strike campaign [2].
Jan 1, 2026 – The CIA concludes Ukraine did not target the residence used by Vladimir Putin in a drone attack, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe briefs President Trump, who says he is “very angry” about the Kremlin’s claim [1].
Jan 1, 2026 – President Trump reacts with skepticism, stating the allegation “troubles me” and expressing anger that the claim was made without evidence, reflecting heightened tension over competing narratives [1].
Jan 1, 2026 – The Wall Street Journal reports the CIA assessment, reinforcing the view that Moscow’s claim lacks corroboration and shaping U.S. media coverage of the incident [1].
Jan 1, 2026 – The New York Post publishes an editorial disputing the drone strike’s existence, citing Zelensky’s denial and Dmitry Peskov’s claim of no evidence, and characterizes the episode as political bluster by Putin [1].
Jan 1, 2026 – Moscow’s defense ministry announces that 91 long‑range drones were launched from northern Ukraine toward Putin’s residence near Valdai, says most were intercepted, and releases a map of alleged drone paths [1].
Jan 2, 2026 – Russia formally alleges a 91‑drone attack on Putin’s Novgorod‑region residence, releases video of a downed drone, and says it has handed drone data to the United States to substantiate the claim [2].
Jan 2, 2026 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismisses Moscow’s allegation as a “fabrication,” insisting Kyiv has no evidence of any strike on the Kremlin leader’s home [2].
Jan 2, 2026 – U.S. media cite CIA officials confirming Ukraine did not target the residence, providing a counter‑narrative to Moscow’s assertion and influencing international perception of the incident [2].
Jan 2, 2026 – Diplomatic talks continue as Washington offers security guarantees to Ukraine within a broader peace framework, while Kyiv circulates a 20‑point plan in response to a prior 28‑point proposal, indicating ongoing de‑escalation efforts [2].