Russia has accused Ukraine of launching a large-scale drone attack targeting the state residence of President Vladimir Putin, a claim strongly denied by Kyiv. According to Russian officials, the incident involved 91 kamikaze drones aimed at a presidential retreat in Russia’s Novgorod Region, raising fresh tensions in the ongoing Ukraine war and casting uncertainty over diplomatic efforts toward a peace settlement.
The Kremlin said the alleged attack took place overnight and was fully repelled by Russian air defense systems, with no casualties or damage reported. Ukraine’s leadership dismissed the accusation as false, warning that Moscow may be preparing a pretext for retaliatory strikes.
Kremlin Says Trump Reacted with Shock
Russian presidential foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov said the incident was discussed during a recent phone call between President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump. According to Ushakov, Trump was “shocked” by the news and expressed disbelief that Ukraine would carry out such an action.
“The US president, according to Putin, stated that he could not have imagined such reckless and crazy actions by Kyiv,” Ushakov told Russian media. He added that Moscow had made clear the alleged attack “would not go unanswered.”
The Kremlin official also warned that Russia would review its position on previously discussed agreements and ongoing diplomatic efforts, urging Washington to take the situation into account.
Lavrov Labels Attack ‘State Terrorism’
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov confirmed Moscow’s version of events, stating that Ukraine launched 91 long-range drones at Putin’s state residence, all of which were intercepted. Lavrov characterized the alleged strike as “state terrorism”, saying Russia had already identified potential targets for retaliation.
“Such reckless actions will not go unanswered,” Lavrov said, adding that while Russia would not withdraw from negotiations, its stance in peace talks would be reassessed.
Lavrov also emphasized that the alleged drone attack occurred at a sensitive moment, as discussions surrounding a possible Ukrainian peace framework were ongoing.
Ukraine Denies Allegations, Warns of False Pretext
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky firmly denied that Ukrainian forces targeted Putin’s residence, calling the Russian claim a lie. Zelensky accused Moscow of attempting to derail diplomatic progress and justify future strikes on government buildings in Kyiv.
According to Ukrainian officials, Russia is laying the groundwork for escalation while blaming Ukraine for actions it did not commit. Kyiv maintains that it has not conducted any operation targeting the Russian president or his residences.
Unclear Whether Putin Was Present
Russian authorities did not confirm whether President Putin was present at the Dolgiye Borody (Long Beards) residence at the time of the alleged attack. The historic site has previously been used by several Soviet and Russian leaders, including Josef Stalin, Nikita Khrushchev, Boris Yeltsin, and Vladimir Putin.
No independent verification has been provided to confirm Ukraine’s involvement, and the claims remain contested.
Rising Tensions as Fighting Continues
The controversy comes as Russia intensifies military operations in southern Ukraine. On Monday, President Putin instructed Russian forces to press ahead with their campaign to gain full control of the Zaporizhzhia region. A Russian military commander said Moscow’s troops are now approximately 15 kilometers from Zaporizhzhia city, the region’s largest urban center.
Meanwhile, diplomatic engagement between Moscow and Washington remains fragile, with both sides accusing each other of undermining peace efforts.
Impact on Peace Talks Uncertain
Despite Russia’s warnings, Kremlin officials said Moscow would not abandon negotiations entirely. However, they stressed that the alleged attack has altered the diplomatic landscape and could harden Russia’s negotiating position.
With conflicting narratives, heightened rhetoric, and no independent confirmation of events, the episode highlights the volatility surrounding the Ukraine conflict. As military pressure and diplomatic maneuvering continue in parallel, the alleged drone incident underscores how quickly tensions can escalate beyond the battlefield.