By Harshit
KYIV, DECEMBER 30 —
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has forcefully denied Russian allegations that Ukraine launched a drone attack on one of President Vladimir Putin’s state residences, accusing Moscow of fabricating claims to undermine ongoing peace negotiations and justify further military escalation.
The dispute erupted after Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed that Ukraine had launched 91 long-range unmanned aerial vehicles overnight toward a presidential residence in Russia’s northwestern Novgorod region. Russian officials said all drones were intercepted and destroyed by air defence systems and reported no casualties or damage.
Ukraine has categorically rejected the accusation.
“Typical Russian Lies,” Zelensky Says
Speaking to journalists in Kyiv on Monday, Zelensky dismissed Moscow’s claim as “typical Russian lies” designed to derail diplomatic efforts.
“They are looking for reasons to continue the war,” Zelensky said, warning that the allegation could be used as a pretext for new Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities. “Everyone must be vigilant now. Absolutely everyone. A strike may be launched on the capital.”
In a post on X, Zelensky said it was critical that the international community not remain silent. “We cannot allow Russia to undermine the work on achieving a lasting peace,” he wrote.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha echoed that position, noting that Russia has not provided any evidence to support its claims. “Almost a day has passed, and Russia still hasn’t provided any plausible proof. And they won’t — because there is none,” he said.
Moscow Signals Tougher Negotiating Stance
Lavrov said the alleged drone incident would prompt Russia to “review” its negotiating position, accusing Kyiv of what he described as “state terrorism.” However, he added that Moscow does not intend to withdraw from talks facilitated by the United States.
On Tuesday, the Kremlin doubled down, saying it would “toughen” its stance in negotiations while declining to release any evidence of the alleged attack. Russian officials have not clarified whether Putin was present at the residence at the time.
The claims come amid fragile diplomatic momentum following talks between Ukrainian and US officials in Florida over the weekend.
Peace Talks Under Strain
Zelensky met Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday to discuss a revised US-backed peace framework aimed at ending the war. After the meeting, Zelensky said there was a “possibility to finish this war” in 2026, but stressed that Ukraine could not prevail without sustained US support.
“My feeling is that President Trump is ready for very strong steps,” Zelensky told Fox News, pointing to possible sanctions and economic pressure on Moscow.
Trump later confirmed that he had spoken with Putin following the Florida talks. According to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, Putin raised the alleged drone incident during that call, claiming it occurred shortly after what Washington viewed as a successful round of negotiations.
Ushakov said Trump was “angry” and “shocked” by the claim. At a subsequent press conference, Trump said Putin had informed him of the alleged incident, though he acknowledged uncertainty over whether it actually took place.
“We’ll find out,” Trump told reporters. “You’re saying maybe the attack didn’t take place — that’s possible too.”
Core Disputes Remain Unresolved
Despite renewed diplomacy, major obstacles remain. Zelensky has said territorial issues — particularly Russia’s occupation of eastern Ukraine — and the future of the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant are still unresolved.
Russia currently occupies roughly 75% of the Donetsk region and nearly all of neighboring Luhansk, collectively known as the Donbas. Moscow has insisted on full control of these areas, a position Kyiv has repeatedly rejected.
Zelensky said the United States had proposed security guarantees for Ukraine lasting 15 years, adding that Trump described that portion of the deal as “95%” complete. Still, there is little indication that Moscow is prepared to compromise on core demands.
Escalation Fears Grow
Ukrainian officials warn that Russia’s latest allegations could signal imminent attacks, particularly on Kyiv. Russia has previously targeted government buildings and civilian infrastructure in the capital, often following periods of diplomatic tension.
As winter deepens and the war enters its fourth year, both sides continue to trade accusations — raising concerns that fragile peace efforts could collapse under renewed military pressure.