Russia accuses Ukraine of drone attack on Putin residence; peace talks at stake
Russia accuses Ukraine of drone attack on Putin residence; peace talks at stake
Moscow claims a Ukrainian drone strike targeted Putin's residence, prompting a review of peace negotiations as Kyiv denies the attack.
A drone attack on President Vladimir Putin’s residence in the Novgorod region was claimed by Moscow, which said 91 long-range drones were involved and that all were destroyed by air defences. The assertion described the incident as a reckless act of state terrorism that would not go unanswered and came as peace negotiations are underway.
High-level diplomacy collided with disputed narratives as Moscow signaled a shift in approach. Foreign minister Lavrov said the attack would lead to a review of Russia’s negotiating position, while stressing that Moscow does not intend to abandon talks. He said the drones were part of a targeted move during talks on a possible Ukrainian peace deal.
Ukraine rejected the Kremlin’s claim, saying Kyiv did not target Putin’s residence and accusing Moscow of fabricating a pretext to derail negotiations. Kyiv contended that Moscow’s narrative was meant to undermine international efforts to reach a ceasefire and a sustainable political settlement.
In a further twist, Moscow said Putin spoke with the United States, including President Trump and advisers, and was briefed on Washington’s ongoing diplomacy with Kyiv. Putin reportedly told Trump that Russia would re-examine its stance in the peace talks following what Moscow described as the Ukrainian drone attack.
Kremlin aides added that while Moscow would not pull out of talks, the position could be recalibrated in light of the incident. The episode has heightened scrutiny of the fragile diplomatic process, with observers urging transparency and restraint as the parties weigh concrete steps toward de-escalation.
