Ukraine denied Russian accusations of a drone attack on one of President Vladimir Putin’s residences. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Moscow spread false claims to undermine peace efforts. He accused Russia of manufacturing a reason for renewed escalation. Ukrainian officials said Ukraine launched no such operation.
Russia Claims Massive Drone Launch Overnight
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Ukraine launched 91 long-range drones overnight. He claimed the drones targeted Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod region. Russian authorities did not disclose Putin’s location during the alleged incident. Moscow said it would reassess its position in peace negotiations.
Zelensky Says Kremlin Uses False Pretexts
Zelensky described the accusation as a deliberate lie. He said the Kremlin relied on misinformation to prolong the war. He referenced earlier Russian attacks on Ukrainian government buildings. Zelensky warned the claim could precede further strikes.
“Everyone must stay vigilant now,” Zelensky told journalists on Monday. He warned of a possible strike on the capital. He called Russia’s statements a direct threat. Zelensky said Moscow searched for excuses to continue fighting. He said Russia treated ceasefire progress as defeat.
Warning to the International Community
Zelensky urged international partners to remain alert. He warned against silence toward Russian allegations. He said global inaction would encourage further aggression. He stressed the need to protect diplomatic efforts.
Lavrov Says Air Defences Neutralised Drones
Lavrov said Russian air defence systems intercepted and destroyed all drones. He reported no casualties and no damage. He accused Kyiv of pursuing state terrorism. He said Russia would revise its negotiating stance. Lavrov added that talks with the United States would continue.
Kremlin Refuses to Present Evidence
The Kremlin said it would not release evidence of the alleged attack. A spokesman said Russia would harden its negotiating position. Ukraine’s foreign minister urged other countries to disregard the claims. Andrii Sybiha said Russia provided no credible proof. He said no attack occurred.
Peace Talks Continue with Washington
The allegation followed talks between Ukraine and the United States in Florida. Presidents Trump and Zelensky discussed a revised peace plan. Zelensky later said ending the war in 2026 remained possible. He said Ukraine depended on continued US support.
Zelensky praised Trump’s readiness to apply sanctions and economic pressure. He said decisive US action could speed up peace. He said Washington could move negotiations forward.
Zelensky Expresses Distrust of Putin
Zelensky said he saw no sign that Putin wanted peace. He said he did not trust the Russian leader. He said Putin opposed Ukraine’s success. Zelensky said the United States offered security guarantees for 15 years. Trump said negotiators had nearly finalised that agreement.
Territorial Disputes Remain Unresolved
Zelensky said territorial issues remained unresolved. He highlighted the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant as a major concern. He said talks showed little progress on Donbas. Russia seeks full control of the region. Moscow controls most of Donetsk and nearly all of Luhansk. The two regions together form Donbas.
Russia has rejected key parts of the proposal. The White House said Trump held a positive call with Putin. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Putin raised the alleged attack. He said the claim followed talks Washington considered successful.
Trump Responds to Russian Account
Ushakov said Trump reacted with shock and anger. He said Trump questioned such actions. Ushakov said the issue could affect US cooperation with Zelensky. Trump later said he initially lacked details. He said Putin later briefed him. Trump said the information angered him.
Asked about evidence, Trump said officials would determine the facts. He said the attack might not have happened. He said Putin told him the incident occurred.
