Drone claims dominated global headlines Tuesday after Kyiv flatly denied Moscow’s allegation that Ukraine targeted one of Vladimir Putin’s residences, calling the charge a calculated attempt to derail peace talks and justify further aggression. Ukrainian officials stressed that drone claims from the Kremlin came without proof, even as Russia threatened retaliation.
“Almost a day passed and Russia still hasn’t provided any plausible evidence,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said. “And they won’t. Because there’s none. No such attack happened.” Russia had asserted that Ukraine launched 91 long-range drones toward Putin’s Novgorod residence, branding it a “terrorist act” and a “personal attack against Putin,” while admitting it could not provide evidence because the drones were “all shot down.”
President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the allegation as “another round of lies,” adding, “This alleged ‘residence strike’ story is a complete fabrication intended to justify additional attacks against Ukraine, including Kyiv.” Zelensky warned earlier that Russia was laying the groundwork for new strikes on the capital.
The accusation surfaced as diplomatic pressure intensified. Germany’s chancellor weighed in, saying, “We are moving the peace process forward. Transparency and honesty are now required from everyone – including Russia.” Poland confirmed European leaders planned to address the issue amid fears Moscow would harden its negotiating stance.
President Donald Trump, who spoke with Putin Monday, voiced concern but stopped short of endorsing Moscow’s claims. “You know who told me about it? President Putin,” Trump said. “It’s one thing to be offensive… It’s another thing to attack his house.”
Russia has battered Ukraine with near-daily missile and drone strikes for years and now says it will “toughen” its position in talks. Ukraine, which says it has accepted most of a U.S.-drafted peace framework, views the latest drone claims as an effort to sabotage diplomacy while Russia presses territorial demands and advances on the battlefield.
