Russia on Monday accused Ukraine of trying to carry out a large-scale drone attack on President Vladimir Putin’s official residence in the Novgorod region. According to Moscow, 91 long-range drones were launched over a span of two days, all of which were shot down by Russian air defence systems. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov described the alleged attack as an act of state terrorism and warned that Russia would respond at a time and place of its choosing. He added that such moves could harden Moscow’s position in any future peace talks, increasing pressure on already delicate diplomatic efforts as countries around the world watch the situation closely.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Ukraine had tried to attack President Vladimir Putin’s residence in northern Russia.
Russia said Ukraine attacked the presidential residence in the Novgorod region overnight with 91 long-range drones, which were all destroyed by… pic.twitter.com/YTRUvDNf1K
— ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2025
Ukraine Denies Allegation
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy strongly denied the claim, calling it a fabrication. He said Russia was spreading false stories to justify further attacks on Ukraine and to avoid taking real steps towards ending the war. Zelenskyy stressed that the country does not carry out actions that harm diplomatic efforts, adding that such tactics are typical of Moscow’s approach.
Russia is at it again, using dangerous statements to undermine all achievements of our shared diplomatic efforts with President Trump’s team. We keep working together to bring peace closer.
This alleged “residence strike” story is a complete fabrication intended to justify…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 29, 2025
