Russia Claims Drone Attack on Putin Home, Signals Shift in Peace Talks Stance
Russia’s foreign minister on Monday accused Ukraine of attempting to strike President Vladimir Putin’s residence in northern Russia, saying the incident could affect Moscow’s stance in ongoing peace talks. Ukraine firmly rejected the allegation, calling it false.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Russian air defenses intercepted and destroyed 91 long-range drones that were launched overnight toward the presidential residence in the Novgorod region. He said there were no casualties and no damage reported.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy denied the claim, describing it as a fabrication. He said Moscow was using the allegation to justify possible attacks on government buildings in Kyiv and to weaken diplomatic efforts toward a ceasefire.
Lavrov warned that Russia’s military had already identified targets for retaliatory action, saying such actions would not go unanswered. He characterized the alleged drone attack as an act of “state terrorism.”
The Russian foreign minister added that the incident occurred at a sensitive moment during discussions over a potential peace agreement. While he said Russia would continue participating in negotiations, he noted that Moscow would reassess its negotiating position in light of the alleged attack.
