Russia Accuses Ukraine of Drone Attack on Putin’s Residence
Russia has accused Ukraine of attempting a drone attack on President Vladimir Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod region, a claim that has further strained already fragile peace negotiations between the two countries.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov alleged that air defence systems intercepted and destroyed 91 long-range drones between December 28 and 29. He described the alleged incident as an act of “state terrorism” and warned that it would not go unanswered.
Lavrov said Russia would not withdraw from ongoing peace talks but noted that Moscow’s negotiating position would be reassessed in light of the alleged attack. Russian officials also claimed that potential targets for retaliatory strikes had already been identified.
Ukraine has strongly denied the accusation. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed the claims as fabricated, accusing Moscow of using them as justification for possible new strikes on government facilities in Kyiv. He urged the international community to focus on diplomatic efforts rather than what he described as Russian misinformation.
Despite rising tensions, discussions around a possible peace settlement have continued. Reports emerged following Zelenskyy’s recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, where the United States is said to have offered security guarantees lasting 15 years. Zelenskyy, however, has indicated he is seeking a longer, 50-year commitment to deter future Russian aggression.
The proposed 20-point peace plan reportedly includes provisions for monitoring compliance and the involvement of international partners, though the scope of their presence remains a point of disagreement with the Kremlin. Zelenskyy has also said any final agreement would be put to a national referendum in Ukraine, which would require a ceasefire of at least 60 days to ensure a credible vote.
Meanwhile, fighting continues on the ground. Russia’s Chief of the General Staff, General Valery Gerasimov, claimed that Russian forces captured more than 6,400 square kilometres of Ukrainian territory in 2025. President Putin has reiterated calls for the establishment of buffer zones along Russia’s borders.
International partners are also stepping up engagement. French President Emmanuel Macron announced that Ukraine’s allies would meet in Paris in early January to finalise their roles in providing security guarantees.
As the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion approaches in February, negotiators face mounting pressure to resolve contentious issues, including troop withdrawals and the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
