Tensions escalated dramatically when Russian officials accused Ukraine of orchestrating an unprecedented drone assault on a residence used by President Vladimir Putin. The alleged attack, which Moscow claims involved nearly a hundred long-range drones, has prompted threats of military retaliation and raised questions about the future of diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.
Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s top diplomat, provided details of what he described as a coordinated Ukrainian operation targeting the presidential compound in Novgorod region. He stated that 91 drones were launched over consecutive days at the end of December in what he termed a reckless and terroristic act. Lavrov’s comments to Reuters emphasized that Russia had already prepared countermeasures and would not let the alleged attack pass without consequence.
Ukrainian leadership rejected the entire narrative, with President Zelensky characterizing Russia’s claims as deliberate misinformation. He suggested that Moscow was creating a false justification for planned attacks on Ukrainian government buildings, particularly in the capital city. Zelensky maintained that Ukraine’s military actions remain focused on defense rather than provocative strikes that could jeopardize diplomatic channels.
Russian military sources reported that their air defense networks successfully intercepted and destroyed all incoming threats before they reached the presidential property. Despite this claimed success, Lavrov indicated that the attempt itself warranted significant retaliation, with specific targets already selected for Russian armed forces. He noted that the incident would inevitably influence Moscow’s calculations in ongoing peace discussions.
The exchange of accusations comes at a particularly sensitive moment in efforts to broker a ceasefire or broader settlement. Zelensky appealed to international observers not to ignore Russia’s tactics, arguing that Moscow consistently employs deceptive narratives to justify continued aggression. He referenced Russia’s historical attacks on Ukrainian government facilities as evidence of this pattern, calling for sustained global attention to prevent further escalation disguised as defensive action.
Moscow Threatens Retaliation Following Alleged Drone Attack on Putin Estate
