BREAKING: Russia has accused Ukraine of attempting to attack President Vladimir Putin’s residence in the Novgorod region, raising alarm over the already fragile peace negotiations. This claim, made without evidence, has been dismissed by Ukraine as a baseless attempt to sabotage ongoing talks.
In a tense exchange, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Ukraine allegedly used 91 long-range drones in the December 28-29 incident, all reportedly intercepted by Russian air defenses. Lavrov condemned the alleged attack as “state terrorism,” asserting that it would not go unanswered. However, no injuries or damage were reported, and details about Putin’s location during the supposed attack remain unclear.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy vehemently denied the accusation, suggesting it was a strategic move by Russia to justify further aggression against Ukraine. “Another round of lies from the Russian Federation,” Zelenskiy noted, highlighting the timing of the accusation coinciding with US-Ukrainian peace talks. He emphasized, “It is clear that for the Russians, if there is no scandal, it is a failure.”
This development comes as US President Donald Trump met with Zelenskiy in Florida on December 30, indicating that they were “getting a lot closer” to an agreement to end the war, despite acknowledging that “thorny” territorial issues remain unresolved. Zelenskiy mentioned a proposed 50-year security agreement, although Trump pointed out it was only “95 percent ready.”
Concerns are escalating as Russia indicated it would reassess its negotiating stance following the alleged drone attack, although Lavrov confirmed that Russia would not withdraw from the peace discussions. The Kremlin’s statement about reviewing its position signals a potential escalation in the conflict, further complicating the fragile peace process.
The situation is particularly urgent as the war in Ukraine has now entered its third year, with Russia controlling significant territories, including about 75 percent of the Zaporizhzhia region. Putin has directed his military to intensify efforts to secure complete control over Zaporizhzhia, which includes the key city of Zaporizhzhia, now only 15 km away from Russian forces.
Zelenskiy’s administration is appealing to world leaders for condemnation of Russia’s accusations, labeling them as a pretext for further attacks on Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated on X that the allegations are a fabrication aimed at undermining the peace negotiations.
As tensions rise, the international community watches closely. Zelenskiy has indicated that control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station and the future of the Donbas region are pivotal points in the ongoing discussions. Russia’s insistence on Ukrainian troop withdrawals from occupied areas only adds to the complexity of reaching a diplomatic resolution.
The situation remains fluid, with immediate implications for both regional stability and international relations. How both nations respond in the coming days will be critical in determining the next steps in this protracted conflict. Stay tuned as we continue to cover this developing story.
