Ukraine again rejected Russian accusations of a drone attack on one of President Vladimir Putin’s residences. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Moscow spread false claims to obstruct peace efforts. He accused Russia of seeking excuses for continued aggression. Ukrainian officials said no such attack took place.
Moscow Alleges Large-Scale Drone Launch
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed Ukraine launched 91 long-range drones overnight. He said the drones targeted Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod region. Russian authorities did not say where Putin was at the time. Moscow said it would reconsider its position in peace negotiations.
Zelensky Labels Claims a Provocation
Zelensky called the allegations fabricated and cynical. He said the Kremlin used disinformation to justify further violence. He pointed to previous Russian strikes on Kyiv government buildings. Zelensky warned that the accusation could precede new attacks.
“Everyone must stay alert now,” Zelensky told journalists on Monday. He warned of a possible strike on the capital. He described Russia’s statements as a threat. Zelensky said Moscow searched for reasons to prolong the war. He added that Russia treated ceasefire progress as failure.
Appeal for International Vigilance
Zelensky urged the international community to react firmly. He warned against silence in response to Russian claims. He said the world must defend diplomatic efforts. He stressed the need to prevent sabotage of peace initiatives.
Russia Says Air Defences Intercepted Drones
Lavrov said Russian air defence systems destroyed all drones. He said the incident caused no casualties or 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 Declines to Show Proof
The Kremlin said it would not release evidence of the alleged attack. A spokesman said Russia would toughen its negotiating approach. Ukraine’s foreign minister urged other states to ignore the accusations. Andrii Sybiha said Russia provided no credible proof. He said no attack happened.
Peace Talks Continue with US Involvement
The claim 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 could not prevail without US support.
Zelensky praised Trump’s readiness to apply sanctions and economic pressure. He said decisive US action could speed up peace. He added that Washington could push the process 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 Issues Remain Unresolved
Zelensky said territorial disputes remained unresolved. He named the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant as a major issue. 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. Together, the regions form Donbas.
Russia has rejected key elements of the proposal. The White House said Trump held a positive call with Putin. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Putin mentioned the alleged attack. He said the claim followed talks Washington considered successful.
Trump Reacts 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 information. He said Putin later briefed him. Trump said the report 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.
