Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly denied Russia’s claim that Ukrainian forces attempted to launch a drone attack on one of President Vladimir Putin’s residences, calling the allegation a “fabrication” designed to undermine diplomatic progress and justify potential future strikes.
The dispute comes amid heightened tensions in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and shortly after Zelenskyy’s high-profile meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss a proposed peace plan — a context that Kyiv says makes the timing of Moscow’s claim especially suspect.
What Russia Claimed
Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, alleged that Ukrainian forces launched an overnight assault using 91 long-range drones aimed at a presidential residence in the Novgorod region of northern Russia. According to Moscow, Russian air defenses intercepted and destroyed all drones, causing no injuries or damage. Lavrov described the purported attack as “state terrorism” and warned that Russia would review its negotiating stance as a result.
However, independent verification of the incident is lacking, and Russia has not publicly provided concrete evidence that the alleged attack occurred.
Zelenskyy’s Denial and Response
President Zelenskyy — speaking to Ukrainian media and posting on social platforms — called the report “another lie” from Moscow and accused Russia of attempting to “prepare the ground” for further attacks on Kyiv and government buildings. He argued that such claims are typical tactics aimed at sabotaging peace efforts and diverting attention from Russia’s own military actions.
Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine does not undertake operations targeting civilian sites in Russia and adheres strictly to internationally recognized principles of self-defense. He accused Moscow of manipulating information in a way that could justify renewed bombings or escalations against Ukrainian infrastructure. The Kyiv Independent
In a separate statement, Ukrainian officials, including Foreign Ministry representatives, urged the international community to view the claim with skepticism, noting that such allegations have previously been used by Russia to shape public opinion and justify military actions.
Timing Raises Diplomatic Concerns
Analysts say the allegation — coming just after Zelenskyy’s peace talks with Trump — could be a strategic move by Moscow to weaken diplomatic momentum. Zelenskyy has accused Russia of using “dangerous statements” and disinformation to deter progress toward ending the conflict, including recent discussions over security guarantees and ceasefire proposals.
It remains unclear whether President Putin was present at the Novgorod residence at the time of the alleged incident, and independent media and observers have not been able to confirm the Russian narrative.
International and Peace Process Implications
The Kremlin’s claims have prompted concern among global partners involved in peace negotiations, particularly as Ukraine and Western allies, including the United States, push for diplomatic solutions to the war that began in February 2022.
Russia’s assertion — framed as justification for potential “retaliatory strikes” — could strain talks and shift negotiating positions, although Moscow has said it remains formally engaged in negotiations.
For Kyiv and its supporters, Zelenskyy’s emphatic denial underscores the broader challenge of navigating both military conflict and information warfare. Ukraine continues to emphasize its commitment to legitimate defense and diplomatic resolution, even as it rejects claims that it would strike presidential residences in Russia.
