Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly denied Russian claims that Ukraine carried out a drone strike on a residence linked to President Vladimir Putin, accusing Moscow of spreading disinformation to disrupt Ukraine-Russia peace negotiations.
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov alleged that long-range Ukrainian drones targeted Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod region, claiming Russian air defense systems intercepted the attack. Ukrainian officials say the accusation is false and politically motivated.
Ukraine Calls Drone Allegations Part of Russian Disinformation Campaign
President Zelensky dismissed the claims as “typical Russian lies,” saying they are part of a broader information warfare strategy designed to justify continued military aggression against Ukraine.
Ukraine’s leadership pointed out that Russia has repeatedly launched missile and drone strikes on Kyiv, targeting government institutions, energy infrastructure, and residential areas.
Also read: Xi, Putin talks in Moscow: A new world order?
Zelensky warned that spreading unverified accusations risks undermining international diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire and long-term security in Eastern Europe.
Russia Claims 91 Drones Intercepted Near Putin Property
In an official statement shared via Telegram, Lavrov said Russian surface-to-air missile systems destroyed all 91 unmanned aerial vehicles allegedly involved in the incident. He reported no casualties, structural damage, or security breaches.
Lavrov accused Kyiv of escalating toward what Moscow describes as “state terrorism”, stating that Russia would now reassess its negotiation stance, though it would continue talks with the United States.
The Kremlin did not confirm Putin’s location at the time of the alleged drone activity.
US-Ukraine Peace Talks Coincide With Escalating Rhetoric
The Russian claims surfaced shortly after high-level diplomatic talks between the United States and Ukraine in Florida, where President Donald Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed a revised framework to end the Ukraine war.
Following the meeting, Zelensky said there was a realistic chance of ending the conflict in 2026, but stressed that continued US military and financial support remains critical.
He also indicated that Washington was prepared to apply stronger sanctions and economic pressure on Moscow if negotiations stall.
Zelensky Expresses Distrust of Putin’s Intentions
Despite renewed dialogue, Zelensky said there is no clear signal that Vladimir Putin is seeking a genuine peace settlement.
“I do not trust Putin,” Zelensky said, adding that Russia’s actions suggest an intent to weaken Ukraine rather than stabilize the region.
Also read: US to officially help Ukraine target Russia’s energy sites
Zelensky confirmed discussions with the US on long-term security guarantees, reportedly covering a 15-year period. President Trump said an agreement on this issue was nearly finalized.
Territorial Disputes and Nuclear Plant Remain Key Obstacles
Major unresolved issues include control of Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, particularly the Donbas region, where Russian forces control most of Donetsk and nearly all of Luhansk.
The future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility, also remains a major point of contention in peace talks.
Russia has previously rejected proposals involving territorial compromises or international oversight of contested areas.
Trump and Putin Discuss Drone Allegations
The White House confirmed that President Trump held a direct phone call with Vladimir Putin following the US-Ukraine discussions.
Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov said Putin told Trump the alleged drone incident occurred shortly after what Washington had viewed as productive negotiations. Ushakov claimed Trump was “angry” and “shocked,” though Trump later said the US would verify the facts independently.
“We’ll find out what really happened,” Trump told reporters, adding that conflicting information remained.
Risk of Escalation Threatens Fragile Peace Efforts
The dispute highlights the fragile state of diplomatic engagement between Russia and Ukraine. Analysts warn that escalating accusations, hybrid warfare tactics, and misinformation could derail momentum toward a negotiated settlement.
International observers continue to urge restraint, transparency, and verification as peace talks move forward.
