President Volodymyr Zelensky has denied allegations by Russia that Ukraine launched a drone attack on one of President Vladimir Putin's residences, accusing Moscow of attempting to derail peace talks.
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed that Kyiv had used 91 long-range unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in an attack aimed at Putin's state residence in the northwestern Novgorod region of Russia.
In response, Zelensky labeled the claims as 'typical Russian lies,' suggesting such accusations were aimed at providing the Kremlin with pretexts to escalate attacks against Ukraine.
Zelensky remarked that Russia has a history of attacking government buildings in Kyiv and expressed concerns that this allegation could lead to further assaults. He emphasized: 'Everyone must be vigilant now. Absolutely everyone. A strike may be launched on the capital,' indicating the seriousness of the threat posed by Russia's claims.
In a statement on Telegram, Lavrov mentioned that all drones purportedly targeting Putin's residence were intercepted and no damage or casualties were reported from the alleged attack. He suggested that the situation indicates the deteriorating condition of the Ukrainian government, stating that Russia's negotiating stance would be reassessed.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Kremlin maintained that no evidence would be provided for the alleged strike. Following this, Ukraine’s foreign minister urged other nations not to respond to Russia's accusations, labeling them as false and without credible evidence.
The tensions arose shortly after talks between the US and Ukraine, during which President Trump and Zelensky discussed a new peace strategy aimed at concluding the ongoing conflict. Zelensky has indicated the potential for peace by 2026 but stressed that Ukraine would require ongoing US support.
Zelensky concluded by expressing distrust toward Putin's intentions, insisting that the Russian president does not support Ukraine's success and has continued to resist key elements of proposed peace plans.
