Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has officially denied the allegations made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that he sent drones to attack Russian President Vladimir Putin's home on Sunday night.
On Monday, Lavrov publicly accused Ukraine of deploying 91 long-range drones targeting Putin's residence in the Novgorod region of Russia. He claimed all were intercepted by Russian air defenses without causing injuries or damage. Lavrov labeled the alleged operation as an act of "state terrorism" and warned of potential diplomatic and military repercussions.
President Zelenskyy swiftly dismissed the allegations as "typical Russian lies" and denied any involvement in such an attack. He also warned that "Everyone must be vigilant now. Absolutely everyone. A strike may be launched on the capital," implying that the allegations were made to justify an escalation of the war.
Zelenskyy also wrote on X that "Russia is at it again, using dangerous statements to undermine all achievements of our shared diplomatic efforts with President Trump's team. We keep working together to bring peace closer." He also called the Russian allegations "a complete fabrication intended to justify additional attacks against Ukraine, including Kyiv, as well as Russia's own refusal to take necessary steps to end the war."
Russia is at it again, using dangerous statements to undermine all achievements of our shared diplomatic efforts with President Trump's team. We keep working together to bring peace closer.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 29, 2025
This alleged "residence strike" story is a complete fabrication intended to justify…
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also took to X to state that no such incident occurred and that Moscow had yet to present any credible evidence to substantiate its claims.
Almost a day passed and Russia still hasn’t provided any plausible evidence to its accusations of Ukraine’s alleged “attack on Putin’s residence.” And they won’t. Because there’s none. No such attack happened.
— Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 (@andrii_sybiha) December 30, 2025
We were disappointed and concerned to see the statements by Emirati,…
A review of local Novgorod news sources by The Kyiv Post found no reports of incoming drones, air defense activity, or ground engagements consistent with a large-scale drone operation in the area, despite extensive coverage of unrelated local events.
The controversy over the alleged attack comes as Ukrainian and U.S. officials have been engaging in peace discussions, including a recent meeting between Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump at his property in Florida.
In response to the claims, President Trump characterized the situation as poorly timed given peace initiatives, and that he doesn't "like it. It's not good. I heard about it this morning...President Putin told me about it... He said he was attacked. It's no good." Though he also indicated that U.S. intelligence agencies would investigate whether any evidence existed to support Russia's allegations.
The United Arab Emirates, India, and Pakistan issued statements condemning the alleged attack, implicitly aligning with Russia's account despite the lack of verification. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov even acknowledged to reporters that I don't think there should be any evidence if such a massive drone attack is being carried out, which, thanks to the well-coordinated work of the air defence system, was shot down."
