Ukraine Allegedly Targets Putin's Residence In Drone Attack

Russia accused Ukraine of launching a large-scale drone attack on President Vladimir Putin’s residence in the Novgorod region on the night Sunday, claiming that 91 long-range drones were intercepted by Russian air defenses with no injuries or damage reported.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Ukraine launched a "terrorist attack" using 91 long-range drones targeting Putin’s residence which he said was destroyed by air defenses. Lavrov claimed the attack amounted to "state terrorism" and that Russia would review its negotiating stance, though it would not exit talks. He also said retaliatory strikes were planned, with targets already selected.

The allegations surfaced just days after Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Florida, where they discussed a potential peace deal, with Trump saying they were "very close" to an agreement.

Zelenskyy dismissed the allegations as a "lie" intended to undermine ongoing peace negotiations and justify further Russian military actions, including potential strikes on Kyiv.

The claim emerged amid high-stakes diplomatic efforts, including a recent meeting between Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump, who later spoke with Putin, describing the call as "positive."

Zelenskyy called the accusation a "complete fabrication" and a deliberate attempt to derail peace efforts, accusing Moscow of preparing to strike government buildings in Kyiv.

Ukrainian officials, including Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, labeled the claim a "fabrication" meant to create a pretext for more attacks and urged world leaders to condemn Russia.

Putin reportedly informed Trump during a phone call that Russia would review its position in peace negotiations following the alleged attack. Russia also intensified its military push in Ukraine, ordering forces to advance toward the Zaporizhzhia region, where Russian troops were reported to be 15 km from the city.

This is not the first time Ukrainian drones have targeted locations linked to Putin. In May 2023, a drone struck the Kremlin roof during a broader attack on Moscow, which Russian officials described as an assassination attempt.