Donald Trump has sensationally U-turned to say he does not believe that Ukraine targeted Russian president Vladimir Putin’s residence last week, after saying Russia’s account of the alleged drone attack had left him "very angry".
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump said that while “something happened nearby”, US officials did not find that Putin's residence was targeted specifically.
“I don't believe that strike happened," he said. European officials also claimed Moscow had made up the allegation to undermine peace efforts, amid high stakes talks between Kyiv and Washington in Florida.
Russia’s veteran foreign minister Sergei Lavrov sensationally claimed last week that Ukraine had fired a wave of drones at Putin’s residence in Novgorod, allegations roundly denied by Kyiv as Moscow threatened retaliation and stepped up its attacks.
Kyiv recorded its first civilian casualty of the new year in the early hours of Monday morning as the two sides continued to exchange attacks.
The Russian defence ministry accused Ukraine of targeting Moscow with drones every day of 2026 so far, saying this was an escalation from sporadic attacks on the Russian capital.
Who is Kyrylo Budanov? The new Ukraine chief of staff chosen by Zelensky at key moment in Russia War
A ceasefire in Ukraine would be fraught with danger for the whole of Europe
Russia puts death toll from Ukrainian strike on village at 27
Australian man reportedly killed fighting alongside Ukrainian forces against Russia
Key Points
- Trump dismisses Kremlin claim Ukraine targeted Putin residence
- Ukraine military says Russian strike on Kyiv kills civilian
- Ukrainian drones targeted Moscow daily in new year, Russia says
- Ukrainian drone attack sparks fire at industrial zone in Russia's Lipetsk
- Who is Kyrylo Budanov? The new Ukraine chief of staff chosen by Zelensky
What to expect at the Coalition of the Willing talks this week
16:00 , James ReynoldsUkraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to meet with the leaders of around 30 countries in Paris this week for talks on security guarantees.
The ‘Coalition of the Willing’, a mainly European consortium, will look to settle on concrete assurances to deter future Russian aggression.
Defence chiefs are to meet on Monday before leaders assemble tomorrow at the invitation of French president Emmanuel Macron.
Zelensky told reporters that he hopes the guarantees will be finalised at the meeting in Paris.
“During these meetings, there will also be meetings with President Trump's team,” he said.
“These meetings will also take place in Paris. They will last a day, or perhaps two — we will see how things develop.”
A White House official confirmed on Monday that Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would attend.
Witkoff and Kushner to attend Coalition talks in Paris
15:28 , James ReynoldsUS special envoy Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner will represent the US at the talks on Ukraine in Paris this week, a White House official revealed today.
Witkoff and Kushner have led the American delegations through talks with Ukraine and Russia in recent weeks. They will now join some 30 leaders for a ‘Coalition of the Willing’ summit expected to focus on security guarantees for Ukraine.
Opinion: A ceasefire in Ukraine would be fraught with danger for the whole of Europe
15:00 , James ReynoldsDespite Zelensky and Trump’s optimistic talk of an ongoing ‘peace process’ Putin seems only too happy to continue waging war in Ukraine. And if a ceasefire is achieved in 2026, Keir Giles asks: at what cost?
A ceasefire in Ukraine would be fraught with danger for the whole of Europe
Watch: Firefighters evacuate Kyiv hospital hit in Russian strike
14:30 , James ReynoldsAuthorities said that a strike set ablaze a medical facility in the Obolonskyi district in Kyiv’s northern sector as two people were killed overnight.
Recap: Two deaths recorded in Kyiv area in year first
14:00 , James ReynoldsEmergency services in Ukraine have shared more information about the people killed in Russian strikes on Kyiv and its region.
Two people were said to have been killed in an overnight Russian air attack in what appeared to be the first recorded deaths in the capital this year.
Authorities have now shared that a strike set ablaze a medical facility in the Obolonskyi district in Kyiv’s northern sector.
A body was found at an inpatient warn after fires were put out, officials said.
A woman was also injured and 25 people were evacuated from the site, they added.
A civilian was also killed in the Fastiv district, just southwest of the capital, as Russia hit towns and villages in the Kyiv region, governor Mykola Kalashnyk said on Telegram.
Russian missile strikes damage energy infrastructure in Ukraine as winter sets in
13:30 , James ReynoldsRussia carried out five missile strikes on Ukraine's second city of Kharkiv on Monday, causing "very serious damage" to energy infrastructure, the city's mayor Ihor Terekhov said.
Russia has conducted a vast bombardment campaign on Ukraine's energy system this winter.
Zelensky redeploys security service chief amid personnel shake up
13:14 , James ReynoldsAfter revealing his new chief of staff on Monday, Ukraine’s Zelensky said that he wanted to replace the head of the security service, too.
Zelensky said on social media that he had asked SBU chief Vasyl Maliuk to focus more on combat operations as part of a wider reshuffle.
"There must be more Ukrainian asymmetric operations against the occupier and the Russian state, and more solid results in eliminating the enemy,” he added.
Maliuk took charge of the SBU in 2023 and during his tenure, the service has carried out a number of high-profile operations, including attacks on the Crimean Bridge and Russian strategic bomber bases.
Europe still working on security guarantees for Ukraine
12:45 , James ReynoldsWork on security guarantees for Ukraine is progressing within the framework of the "Coalition of the Willing", a European Commission spokesperson has shared.
The group is expected to meet again for talks in Paris tomorrow.
Russia claims village in Sumy region
12:00 , James ReynoldsRussia's defence ministry said on Monday its forces have gained control over the village of Hrabovske in Ukraine's northeastern Sumy region.
Ukrainian authorities claimed in December that Russian forces had taken 52 villagers from Hrabovske back across the border during a raid.
The Independent could not immediately verify the claims.
Recap: Two deaths recorded in Kyiv area in year first
11:00 , James ReynoldsEmergency services in Ukraine have shared more information about the people killed in Russian strikes on Kyiv and its region.
Two people were said to have been killed in an overnight Russian air attack in what appeared to be the first recorded deaths in the capital this year.
Authorities have now shared that a strike set ablaze a medical facility in the Obolonskyi district in Kyiv’s northern sector.
A body was found at an inpatient warn after fires were put out, officials said.
A woman was also injured and 25 people were evacuated from the site, they added.
A civilian was also killed in the Fastiv district, just southwest of the capital, as Russia hit towns and villages in the Kyiv region, governor Mykola Kalashnyk said on Telegram.
Zelensky appoints Canadian former deputy PM as economic advisor
10:19 , James ReynoldsUkraine’s Zelensky has appointed Canadian lawmaker Chrystia Freeland as his economic development advisor, citing her experience in attracting investment.
Freeland was deputy prime minister of Canada between 2019 and 2024, and is a serving lawmaker in the Canadian parliament.
She is also Ottawa's special envoy to Ukraine, and has Ukrainian ancestry.
"Right now, Ukraine needs to strengthen its internal resilience – both for the sake of Ukraine’s recovery if diplomacy delivers results as swiftly as possible, and to reinforce our defence if, because of delays by our partners, it takes longer to bring this war to an end," explained Zelensky on X.
Who is Zelensky's new chief of staff?
09:30 , James ReynoldsAndrii Yermak had wielded enormous influence over Ukrainian politics and diplomacy before his resignation in November, following an anti-corruption raid at his home.
Zelensky was pressed to replace him quickly as peace talks continued. But Yermak’s would be huge boots to fill, as Zelensky’s longtime ally and fixer.
The president has now decided to appoint General Kyrylo Budanov, the country’s military intelligence chief, as his new chief of staff. His will be a significant appointment at a critical juncture in the war.
Here’s what to know about Zelensky’s new chief of staff:
Who is Kyrylo Budanov? The new Ukraine chief of staff chosen by Zelensky
What are the claims about a Ukrainian drone attack on Putin's palace?
08:42 , James ReynoldsThe Kremlin sensationally claimed on 29 December that Ukraine had launched a major attack against Putin’s presidential residence in Novgorod.
Russia’s veteran foreign minister Sergei Lavrov claimed that Kyiv had launched 91 drones at the house on Lake Valdai.
It was unclear whether Putin was there at the time of the alleged attack, but Lavrov said there were no injuries or damage, and that Russian air defences had destroyed all of the drones before they reached the complex.
Trump said he was “very angry” to hear about the alleged attack, following a call with Putin.
Kyiv was quick to push back, framing the allegations as a cynical effort to derail peace talks with the US in Florida. On diplomacy, Russia said it would revise its negotiating position in light of the attack.
Since then, Ukraine’s European allies have cast doubt on Russia’s claims. The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said the claims were a “deliberate distraction” and accused Russia of spreading “unfounded claims”.
Russia said on 30 December it was unable to prove its claim as all the drones were “shot down”.
The CIA then briefed Donald Trump that the claims of a drone attack were false - something he seemingly accepted as he said on Sunday that he did not believe Kyiv specifically targeted the residence.
Ukraine military says Russian strike on Kyiv kills civilian
07:58 , Arpan RaiA Russian air attack on Kyiv killed one civilian, Ukraine's military said this morning, in what appeared to be the first reported death in Russian strikes on the capital this year.
“One person has been killed so far as a result of the attack. The attack is continuing,” said Timur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv's military administration.
He said people were being evacuated from a building damaged in the attack in the Obolonskyi district, north of Kyiv's centre.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko said air defence forces were operating in the capital and urged residents to remain in shelters.
Russia has repeatedly attacked Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities with missiles and drones during the nearly four-year-old war, saying it strikes military targets, while Ukraine says civilians and civilian infrastructure are often hit.
Trump dismisses Kremlin claim Ukraine targeted Putin residence
07:38 , Arpan RaiPresident Donald Trump said US officials had determined that Ukraine did not target a residence belonging to Russian president Vladimir Putin in a drone attack last week, disputing a Kremlin claim that he had initially greeted with deep concern.
Trump said "something happened nearby" but Americans officials didn't find the Russian president's residence was targeted.
“I don't believe that strike happened," Trump told reporters. "We don't believe that happened, now that we've been able to check.”
Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said last week that Ukraine had launched a wave of drones at Putin's residence in the northwestern Novgorod region that the Russian defence systems were able to defeat.
Lavrov also criticised Kyiv for launching the attack at a moment of intensive negotiations to end the war.
The allegation came just a day after Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky held talks with Trump in Florida on the US administration's 20-point plan aimed at ending the war. Zelensky had quickly denied the allegation.
In photos: Overnight Russia attack kills first civilian in Kyiv this year
07:05 , Arpan Rai
Trump rows back on anger against Ukraine after claiming Putin residence not attacked
06:57 , Arpan RaiDonald Trump said the US had concluded that Ukraine did not attack Russian president Vladimir Putin’s state residence after European officials argued the Kremlin claim was nothing more than an effort to undermine peace talks.
Trump, at least initially, had appeared to take the Russian allegations at face value. He told reporters last Monday that Putin had raised the matter during a phone call earlier that day. And Trump said he was "very angry" about it.
By Wednesday, Trump appeared to be downplaying the Russian claim.
He posted a link to a New York Post editorial on his social media platform that raised doubts about the Russian allegation.
The editorial lambasted Putin for choosing "lies, hatred, and death" at a moment when Trump claimed he was "closer than ever before" to moving the two sides to a deal to end the war.
The US president has struggled to fulfil a campaign pledge to quickly end the war in Ukraine and has shown irritation with Putin as well as Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky for apparently not playing ball.
Drone strikes kill two in Russian border regions ahead of Ukraine peace talks
06:27 , Arpan RaiAt least two people were killed in Ukrainian drone strikes in Russian border regions, local officials said yesterday.
Belgorod regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said one person died and two others, including a young child, were wounded when a Ukrainian drone struck a car.
Another person was killed in a drone strike on a village in the Kursk region, regional governor Alexander Khinshtein said.
In Ukraine, three people were wounded in the Kharkiv region in drone strikes overnight into Sunday, the country's State Emergency Service said.
Both sides exchanged attack a day before peace talks are scheduled to be held in Paris in another effort to end the war in Ukraine.
One killed as Russian attack on Kyiv hits medical facility
06:05 , Arpan RaiUkraine’s State Emergency Service said overnight Russian strikes set ablaze a medical facility in the Obolonskyi district in Kyiv's northern sector where an inpatient ward was operating.
After the fire was extinguished, a body was found inside, the service said, adding that a woman was injured and 25 people were evacuated.
It released a night-time photo showing emergency responders carrying a body on a stretcher past an ambulance outside a building, with snow on the ground.
Russia also hit towns and villages across the Kyiv region, damaging homes and critical infrastructure, and killing a civilian in the Fastiv district, just southwest of the capital, the region’s governor Mykola Kalashnyk said on Telegram.
Small parts of the region were left without power, Kalashnyk added.
Zelensky says Ukraine hopes for leaders' summit in US in January
05:53 , Arpan RaiUkraine is hoping for a leaders’ summit in the United States by the end of January to discuss proposals on how to end the war with Russia.
Zelensky said that Ukraine and national security advisors from at least 18 countries discussed in Kyiv security guarantees, economic agreements, and sequencing plans. This week, the talks will continue during a European leaders' meeting in Paris scheduled for today and then with US negotiators.
"And after that... we will be preparing for a meeting in the United States at the leadership level. We would like all of this to happen in January, by the end of January," Zelensky said.
Watch: Trump denies attack on Putin residence after Moscow says Kyiv’s drone warfare escalating
05:33 , Arpan RaiUkrainian drone attack sparks fire at industrial zone in Russia's Lipetsk
05:16 , Arpan RaiA Ukrainian drone attack sparked a fire in an industrial zone in the town of Yelets in Russia’s Lipetsk region, the regional governor reported this morning.
No immediate casualties have been reported so far.
Yelets is home to the Energiya battery plant, a major producer of batteries and accumulators for Russia’s defence industry, which Ukraine said it has hit in the past.
Who is Kyrylo Budanov? The new Ukraine chief of staff chosen by Zelensky
05:06 , Arpan RaiUkraine president Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed General Kyrylo Budanov, the country’s military intelligence chief, as his new chief of staff.
This significant change comes at a particularly critical juncture in Russia's nearly four-year invasion.
General Budanov replaces Andrii Yermak, president Zelensky’s long-standing aide, who resigned in November.
Yermak’s departure followed an anti-corruption raid on his apartment, investigating alleged graft in Ukraine's energy sector.
The removal of such a powerful figure was considered a blow to the president, potentially jeopardising his negotiating strategy amidst US peace efforts.
Here’s what you need to know about Budanov:
Who is Kyrylo Budanov? The new Ukraine chief of staff chosen by Zelensky
A ceasefire in Ukraine would be fraught with danger for the whole of Europe
04:53 , Arpan RaiFor Ukraine, there is little reason to think that 2026 will not continue the pattern set by 2025: the war will grind on, because the repeated promises that peace is near are based on little more than blind optimism and a desperate need to pander to Donald Trump’s fantasies.
Russia will continue to try to secure through diplomatic means what it has failed to conquer in 11 years of war, and its key tool for doing so will continue to be Donald Trump. Three times during 2025, Trump blindsided Europe’s leaders by attempting to coerce Ukraine into accepting Russia’s demands under the guise of a ceasefire agreement.
On each occasion, the worst danger was averted following a transatlantic diplomatic scramble, as European leaders dropped everything to try to roll back some of the damage. It may seem like a repetitive cycle, but on each occasion, Russia improves its position.
If a ceasefire is achieved in 2026, Keir Giles asks: at what cost?
A ceasefire in Ukraine would be fraught with danger for the whole of Europe
Ukrainian drones targeted Moscow daily in new year, Russia says
04:43 , Arpan RaiUkraine has targeted Moscow with drones every day of 2026 so far, Russia’s defence ministry has claimed.
By midnight on Sunday, Russian air defence systems had destroyed 57 drones over the Moscow region and 437 over the country in total, the ministry said, adding that the daily attacks marked an escalation from more sporadic attacks on the Russian capital.
Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported multiple interceptions since New Year’s Eve without giving further details.
Russia typically reports only how many drones its air defences downed, not how many Ukraine launched, and rarely discloses the full extent of damage unless civilians are killed or civilian sites hit.
There was no immediate comment from Ukraine.
Kyiv has increasingly used long-range drones to strike targets deep inside Russia. It says such attacks aim to disrupt military logistics and energy infrastructure, raise costs for Moscow’s war effort and respond to repeated Russian missile and drone attacks.
Did Ukraine launch 91-drone attack on Putin’s presidential residence – or is it a Russian show for Trump?
04:27 , Arpan RaiRussia’s claim that Ukraine launched a 91-drone strike on Vladimir Putin’s personal residence has threatened to derail months of talks over a peace deal to end Moscow’s invasion.
Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky has called the claims a “complete fabrication” intended to lay the groundwork for future strikes on Kyiv and other areas of Ukraine.
“I am sure they are simply preparing the ground for strikes, probably on the capital, probably on government buildings,” he said.
From a technical standpoint, Ukraine does have the weapons to launch an attack on Putin’s presidential residence using strike drones and missile systems, according to Oleksandr Kovalenko, a Ukrainian military and security analyst for the Information Resistance group.
Did Ukraine launch a strike on Putin’s residence – or is it a Russian show for Trump?
Trump dismisses Kremlin claim Ukraine targeted Putin residence
04:13 , Arpan RaiPresident Donald Trump said US officials had determined that Ukraine did not target a residence belonging to Russian president Vladimir Putin in a drone attack last week, disputing a Kremlin claim that he had initially greeted with deep concern.
Trump said "something happened nearby" but Americans officials didn't find the Russian president's residence was targeted.
“I don't believe that strike happened," Trump told reporters. "We don't believe that happened, now that we've been able to check.”
Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said last week that Ukraine had launched a wave of drones at Putin's residence in the northwestern Novgorod region that the Russian defence systems were able to defeat.
Lavrov also criticised Kyiv for launching the attack at a moment of intensive negotiations to end the war.
The allegation came just a day after Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky held talks with Trump in Florida on the US administration's 20-point plan aimed at ending the war. Zelensky had quickly denied the allegation.
Ukraine military says Russian strike on Kyiv kills civilian
03:57 , Arpan RaiA Russian air attack on Kyiv killed one civilian, Ukraine's military said this morning, in what appeared to be the first reported death in Russian strikes on the capital this year.
“One person has been killed so far as a result of the attack. The attack is continuing,” said Timur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv's military administration.
He said people were being evacuated from a building damaged in the attack in the Obolonskyi district, north of Kyiv's centre.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko said air defence forces were operating in the capital and urged residents to remain in shelters.
Russia has repeatedly attacked Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities with missiles and drones during the nearly four-year-old war, saying it strikes military targets, while Ukraine says civilians and civilian infrastructure are often hit.
