Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has categorically refuted Russian allegations that Ukraine targeted one of President Vladimir Putin’s residences with drone strikes. The denial comes after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov asserted that Kyiv had deployed 91 long-range unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) against Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod region overnight.
Lavrov stated through official channels that Russian air defense systems successfully intercepted and eliminated all purported drones, resulting in no casualties or structural damage. However, he declared that Russia would reassess its negotiating stance in peace talks, citing what he termed the ‘final degeneration of the criminal Kyiv regime’ into ‘state terrorism.’
The allegations emerge amidst heightened diplomatic activity, following substantial US-Ukraine discussions in Florida where President Trump and Zelensky advanced revised peace terms. Zelensky characterized the security guarantees offered by the United States—spanning 15 years—as nearly finalized, with Trump indicating approximately 95% completion. Outstanding issues reportedly include territorial disputes and the status of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility, while the Donbas region remains a point of contention.
Zelensky dismissed Moscow’s claims as ‘typical Russian lies’ designed to justify continued aggression against Ukraine and undermine recent diplomatic progress. He emphasized the critical importance of international vigilance, urging global leaders not to remain silent amid what he described as Russian attempts to sabotage peace efforts.
The White House confirmed that President Trump subsequently held a ‘positive call’ with Putin, adding complexity to the evolving diplomatic landscape as all parties navigate accusations and counter-accusations.