Ukraine has denied Russian allegations of a drone attack targeting a residence belonging to President Vladimir Putin. The denial comes as Moscow announced it would review its position in ongoing peace negotiations, citing what it calls a shift by Kyiv towards “state terrorism.”
Alleged Attack and Conflicting Accounts
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed Ukraine launched 91 long-range unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) overnight at a state residence in Russia’s Novgorod region. According to Lavrov, all drones were intercepted and destroyed by Russian air defense systems, with no casualties or damage reported. President Zelensky dismissed the claim as “typical Russian lies,” accusing the Kremlin of fabricating the incident to justify continued attacks on Ukraine.
Zelensky stated on X that the world “cannot allow Russia to undermine the work on achieving a lasting peace.” He also noted that Russia has previously targeted government buildings in Kyiv.
Peace Talks and US Involvement
The accusations follow recent discussions between Presidents Trump and Zelensky in Florida on Sunday, where a revised peace plan was reportedly discussed. Zelensky indicated a “possibility to finish this war” by 2026, but stressed Ukraine’s reliance on continued US support. He stated that President Trump appeared “ready for very strong steps” regarding sanctions and economic measures.
Key unresolved issues in the potential peace plan include territorial disputes and the status of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Russia has previously rejected elements of the plan under discussion.
US Response and Putin’s Reaction
The White House described President Trump’s call with Putin as “positive.” However, a Kremlin aide, Yuri Ushakov, stated that Putin informed Trump about the alleged drone attack, expressing outrage and suggesting it would impact the US approach to Ukraine. President Trump initially indicated he was unaware of the incident but later confirmed Putin had informed him and that he was “very angry” about it. When asked for evidence supporting Russia’s claim, Trump stated he would “find out,” but acknowledged Putin’s assertion that the attack occurred.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Russia say about revising its negotiating position?
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Russia’s negotiating position would be revised “given the final degeneration of the criminal Kyiv regime, which has switched to a policy of state terrorism.”
What security guarantees did the US reportedly offer Ukraine?
The US reportedly offered Ukraine security guarantees for a period of 15 years, with President Trump stating an agreement on this point was “close to 95%” done.
Did President Zelensky express trust in President Putin?
No, President Zelensky stated, “I don’t trust Putin and he doesn’t want success for Ukraine.”
Given the conflicting accounts and shifting positions, what impact will these developments have on the pursuit of a lasting peace in Ukraine?
