Russia’s government has accused Ukraine of attempting a large-scale drone attack on one of President Vladimir Putin’s state residences in the Novgorod region, claiming 91 long-range drones were involved but all were intercepted by Russian air defenses with no reported casualties or damage. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov described the alleged incident as “state terrorism” and said it would lead Moscow to reassess its position in ongoing negotiations over the Ukraine war.
The Kremlin’s account says the supposed attack occurred overnight and that Russian forces identified potential Ukrainian targets for retaliatory strikes. Russia insists it will continue diplomatic talks even as it adopts a tougher stance following the claim.
Ukraine Denies the Accusation
Ukraine has categorically rejected the allegation, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy calling it a “complete fabrication” designed to undermine peace negotiations and justify future Russian attacks on Ukrainian territory. Kyiv’s officials say no plausible evidence has been provided by Moscow to support the claim, and they argue the timing — coming amid talks with U.S. leadership — suggests Russia is seeking a pretext for escalation.
Ukraine’s foreign ministry stressed it only targets legitimate military objectives and that the Russian narrative is a tactic to disrupt diplomatic efforts and shift blame.
International and Diplomatic Fallout
The allegations have rippled beyond Moscow and Kyiv, influencing wider diplomatic relations:
- U.S. President Donald Trump — interviewed by leaders — expressed anger over the alleged attack, though broader U.S. response remains cautious amid efforts to advance peace talks.
- The claim has complicated already fragile negotiations aimed at ending the war, especially as the accusations come shortly after recent U.S.–Ukraine diplomatic engagement.
Independent Verification Still Lacking
No independent confirmation — such as third-party imagery or on-the-ground reporting — has been publicly released to validate Russia’s account of the drone strike on the Novgorod residence. Analysts and observers note that all details so far stem from official Russian statements, and the absence of evidence fuels skepticism and competing narratives from both sides.
How This Shapes the Conflict
This accusation highlights the deep mistrust between Russia and Ukraine and illustrates how high-profile claims can influence not just military operations but public perception and diplomatic negotiations. As both sides intensify their rhetoric, the situation underscores the challenges of separating verified facts from strategic messaging in wartime.
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