MOSCOW, December 29 — Russia’s Foreign Minister has accused Ukraine of attempting to strike a presidential residence with dozens of drones, vowing retaliation. Ukraine’s leader dismissed the allegation as a Russian pretext for new attacks, amid concurrent high-stakes U.S.-led negotiations to end the war.
What did Russia allege happened?
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on Monday that Ukraine launched a long-range drone attack targeting a state residence used by President Vladimir Putin. Lavrov, citing Russia’s Interfax news agency, said the alleged attack occurred in the Novgorod region on the night of December 28-29. He claimed 91 drones were involved in the attempt to strike the residence, warning, “Such reckless actions will not go unanswered.” It remains unclear if Putin was present at the time.
What is Russia’s stated response?
Lavrov declared that targets for retaliatory Russian military strikes have already been selected. He directly linked the alleged attack to ongoing diplomatic efforts, stating it took place during negotiations about a potential Ukrainian peace deal. While reassuring that Russia would not abandon negotiations, Lavrov asserted that Moscow’s negotiating position would now be reviewed as a result of the incident.
How did Ukraine respond to the accusation?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy categorically dismissed Russia’s allegations. He suggested the claim was a fabricated pretext for Russia to escalate attacks on Ukrainian government buildings in Kyiv. Zelenskyy connected the timing to his recent diplomatic meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, stating, “For the Russians, if there is no scandal between us and America, and we are making progress, for them it is a failure, because they do not want to end this war.”
What is the status of peace negotiations?
The exchange of allegations occurs amid active U.S.-led mediation. On Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump stated negotiations to end the war were in their “final stages.” He held in-person talks with Zelenskyy at his Mar-a-Lago residence and separately held a lengthy phone call with Putin.
- Trump met Zelenskyy, claiming both sides were “close to an agreement.”
- Hours earlier, Trump spoke with Putin and intended to speak again as talks progressed.
- “The two leaders want it to end,” Trump told reporters. “I think we can move pretty rapidly.”
FAQs:
Q: Did drones actually hit Putin’s residence?
A: Russia alleges an attempted strike. No independent evidence has been presented, and Ukraine denies the attack occurred.
Q: Was Vladimir Putin at the residence during the alleged attack?
A: Russian officials have not clarified Putin’s location at the time of the incident.
Q: What did President Trump say about the peace talks?
A: Trump stated negotiations are in the “final stages” and that he believes a deal can be reached “rapidly” following his talks with both Zelenskyy and Putin.
Q: Why does Ukraine say Russia made this allegation?
A: President Zelenskyy alleges Russia is creating a false pretext to justify planned attacks on Ukrainian government targets in Kyiv.
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