Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has emphasized his country’s continued commitment to diplomatic solutions despite Russian allegations about a drone attack on Putin’s residence. The Ukrainian leader dismissed Moscow’s claims as fabricated propaganda while stressing that Ukraine does not engage in actions that could undermine ongoing peace efforts.
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Ukraine of launching 91 long-range drones at President Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod region over a two-day period in late December. He characterized the alleged operation as state terrorism and warned that Moscow would respond with military force. Lavrov confirmed that Russian air defenses successfully intercepted all drones but emphasized that retaliation would be forthcoming.
Zelensky suggested that Russian accusations were designed to serve dual purposes: creating justification for strikes on Ukrainian government facilities in Kyiv while simultaneously sabotaging diplomatic progress with international partners. He specifically mentioned ongoing work with Trump administration representatives as potentially threatened by Moscow’s claims. The Ukrainian president drew clear distinctions between Ukrainian and Russian approaches to conflict resolution.
According to Lavrov’s account, the alleged attack occurred during a period when various parties were discussing potential peace agreements. He indicated that the incident would necessitate a reassessment of Russia’s negotiating position, though Moscow would remain engaged in diplomatic discussions. The Foreign Minister confirmed that Russian military leadership had already prepared lists of targets for potential counterstrike operations.
Zelensky called on the international community to recognize Russian tactics and avoid remaining silent. He referenced Moscow’s history of attacking Ukrainian government buildings, including the Cabinet of Ministers, as evidence of a pattern where Russia accuses others of actions it regularly commits. The Ukrainian leader emphasized that preventing Russian disruption of diplomatic processes requires sustained global attention and active engagement. He urged world leaders to speak out against what he characterized as manufactured crises designed to shift blame and justify continued aggression.