Ukraine Denies Drone Attack on Putin's Residence Amid Peace Talk Tensions
Published 29 December 2025
Highlights
- Ukraine's President Zelensky has denied Russian claims of a drone attack on Putin's residence, calling it a fabrication to derail peace talks.
- Russia's Foreign Minister Lavrov stated that 91 drones were intercepted by Russian air defenses, with no casualties reported.
- Zelensky emphasized Ukraine's reliance on US support, stating the war cannot be won without it, and highlighted unresolved issues in the Donbas region.
- Following a meeting with Trump, Zelensky expressed skepticism about Putin's intentions for peace, while Russia announced a review of its negotiating stance.
- Russia's military continues its advance in the Zaporizhzhia region, with Moscow claiming strategic initiative on the battlefield.
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Rewritten Article
Ukraine Denies Drone Attack on Putin's Residence Amid Peace Talk Tensions
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly denied Russian allegations that Ukraine launched a drone attack on President Vladimir Putin's residence in the Novgorod region. The accusation, which Zelensky described as "typical Russian lies," comes amid ongoing peace negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict between the two nations.
Allegations and Denials
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed that 91 drones targeted Putin's state residence, all of which were reportedly intercepted by Russian air defense systems. Lavrov stated that there were no casualties or damage, but emphasized that Russia would reassess its position in peace talks. Zelensky, however, dismissed the claims as a pretext for further aggression against Ukraine, urging the international community not to remain silent.
US Support and Peace Talks
The allegations surfaced shortly after a meeting between Zelensky and former US President Donald Trump in Florida, where discussions centered on a revised peace plan. Zelensky highlighted the critical role of US support, stating, "Can we win without American support? No." He also expressed doubts about Putin's commitment to peace, citing unresolved territorial disputes in the Donbas region and the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
Military Developments in Zaporizhzhia
Meanwhile, Russian forces continue their advance in the Zaporizhzhia region, with Moscow claiming control over 75% of the province. Russian military officials reported progress towards the city of Zaporizhzhia, underscoring Russia's strategic initiative on the battlefield. The situation remains tense as both sides prepare for potential escalations.
International Reactions and Future Prospects
The international community remains watchful as tensions escalate. The US has yet to comment extensively on the alleged drone attack, while Russia's claims have been met with skepticism. The White House described a recent call between Trump and Putin as "positive," but the path to peace remains fraught with challenges.
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Scenario Analysis
The alleged drone attack on Putin's residence could further complicate peace negotiations, as Russia uses the incident to justify a hardening of its stance. If the claims are proven false, it may undermine Russia's credibility on the international stage. Meanwhile, Ukraine's reliance on US support underscores the geopolitical stakes involved, with any shift in US policy potentially altering the conflict's trajectory. As Russia advances in Zaporizhzhia, the possibility of intensified military engagements looms, potentially impacting diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly denied Russian allegations that Ukraine launched a drone attack on President Vladimir Putin's residence in the Novgorod region. The accusation, which Zelensky described as "typical Russian lies," comes amid ongoing peace negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict between the two nations.
Allegations and Denials
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed that 91 drones targeted Putin's state residence, all of which were reportedly intercepted by Russian air defense systems. Lavrov stated that there were no casualties or damage, but emphasized that Russia would reassess its position in peace talks. Zelensky, however, dismissed the claims as a pretext for further aggression against Ukraine, urging the international community not to remain silent.
US Support and Peace Talks
The allegations surfaced shortly after a meeting between Zelensky and former US President Donald Trump in Florida, where discussions centered on a revised peace plan. Zelensky highlighted the critical role of US support, stating, "Can we win without American support? No." He also expressed doubts about Putin's commitment to peace, citing unresolved territorial disputes in the Donbas region and the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
Military Developments in Zaporizhzhia
Meanwhile, Russian forces continue their advance in the Zaporizhzhia region, with Moscow claiming control over 75% of the province. Russian military officials reported progress towards the city of Zaporizhzhia, underscoring Russia's strategic initiative on the battlefield. The situation remains tense as both sides prepare for potential escalations.
International Reactions and Future Prospects
The international community remains watchful as tensions escalate. The US has yet to comment extensively on the alleged drone attack, while Russia's claims have been met with skepticism. The White House described a recent call between Trump and Putin as "positive," but the path to peace remains fraught with challenges.
What this might mean
The alleged drone attack on Putin's residence could further complicate peace negotiations, as Russia uses the incident to justify a hardening of its stance. If the claims are proven false, it may undermine Russia's credibility on the international stage. Meanwhile, Ukraine's reliance on US support underscores the geopolitical stakes involved, with any shift in US policy potentially altering the conflict's trajectory. As Russia advances in Zaporizhzhia, the possibility of intensified military engagements looms, potentially impacting diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.
