Russia has accused Ukraine of attempting a drone attack on President Vladimir Putin’s official residence in the Novgorod region, an allegation that Kyiv has dismissed as false and provocative.
According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Ukrainian forces launched a series of long-range drone attacks on December 28 and 29, targeting the Russian president’s state residence. Lavrov said the alleged attempt took place shortly after a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Speaking to Russia’s state-run Interfax news agency, Lavrov claimed that a total of 91 Ukrainian drones were deployed in the operation but were all intercepted and destroyed by Russia’s air defence systems. He did not present any evidence to support the allegation.
Lavrov warned that what he described as Ukraine’s “reckless actions” would be met with a response, but stressed that Moscow remains willing to continue discussions aimed at ending the war.
Ukraine has categorically rejected the claim. President Volodymyr Zelensky described the accusation as “another lie” by the Kremlin, alleging that Moscow is using such claims to create a pretext for launching fresh attacks on Kyiv and other government facilities.
“This is yet another piece of disinformation by the Russian Federation,” Zelensky told journalists, warning citizens to remain alert amid the risk of renewed strikes on the Ukrainian capital.
The conflicting statements come amid heightened tensions in the Russia-Ukraine war, as diplomatic efforts and military escalation continue in parallel.
