Zelenskyy Rejects Russia’s Claim of Drone Attack on Putin’s Residence, Warns of Escalation

Zelenskyy Rejects Russia’s Claim of Drone Attack on Putin’s Residence, Warns of Escalation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed Russia’s claim that Ukraine launched a drone attack on a residence belonging to Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing the allegation as a fabrication that could be used to justify further military escalation.

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov alleged that 91 long-range drones were launched overnight on Sunday at Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod region, northwest Russia. According to Moscow, all the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were intercepted by Russian air defences, with no casualties or damage recorded. The Kremlin did not clarify whether Putin was present at the location at the time.

Responding on Monday, Zelenskyy described the accusation as “typical Russian lies,” warning that it could serve as a pretext for intensified attacks on Ukraine and a hardening of Russia’s stance in ongoing peace negotiations.

“Everyone must be vigilant now. Absolutely everyone. A strike may be launched on the capital,” Zelenskyy told journalists, calling Russia’s statement a “threat” and accusing Moscow of seeking excuses to prolong the war.

In a post on X, the Ukrainian leader urged the international community not to remain silent, warning that Russia must not be allowed to sabotage efforts toward a lasting ceasefire.

READ ALSO:

• Amotekun Arrests 39 Suspected Terrorists Fleeing Sokoto After US Airstrikes
• Nigeria vs Uganda: Key Super Eagles Players Risk Suspension Ahead of AFCON Clash
• Malami, Son, Wife Remanded Over ₦Billions Money Laundering Charges

Lavrov, in a statement published on Telegram, said Moscow would reconsider its negotiating position, citing what he termed the “final degeneration” of Ukraine’s leadership. However, he said Russia would not withdraw from talks with the United States, according to Russian news agency Tass.

On Tuesday, the Kremlin said it would not provide evidence to support its claim, with a spokesperson confirming that Russia would now “toughen” its negotiating stance.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha rejected the allegation, insisting that Russia had failed to present any credible proof.

“Almost a day has 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 is none,” Sybiha wrote on X.

The controversy follows US-Ukraine talks in Florida on Sunday, where US President Donald Trump and Zelenskyy discussed a revised peace plan. Zelenskyy later told Fox News that there was a “possibility to end the war in 2026,” stressing that Ukraine would require continued US support.

He disclosed that Washington had proposed 15-year security guarantees, with Trump saying negotiations were “95 per cent complete.” Zelenskyy identified territorial disputes, the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and unresolved issues in the Donbas region as major sticking points.

The White House confirmed that Trump held what it described as a “positive call” with Putin following the US-Ukraine talks. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Putin raised the alleged drone incident during the conversation, claiming it occurred shortly after what Washington viewed as a successful diplomatic engagement.

Trump later told reporters he was informed of the incident by Putin and was “very angry,” though he acknowledged that it was also possible the attack had not occurred.

Zelenskyy Rejects Russia’s Claim of Drone Attack on Putin’s Residence, Warns of Escalation