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The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate, following recent claims by Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov. He alleged that on the night of December 28–29, 2025, Ukraine launched a drone attack involving 91 unmanned aerial vehicles targeting President Vladimir Putin‘s official residence in the Novgorod region. However, these assertions have been met with skepticism due to the lack of supporting evidence and independent verification.
According to Lavrov, no casualties or damage were reported from the alleged incident. The Russian Defense Ministry stated that their air-defense systems successfully shot down all incoming drones: 41 over Novgorod, 49 over Bryansk, and one over Smolensk. Despite these claims, questions surrounding the authenticity of the attack remain.
Response from Russian officials
Lavrov emphasized that Russia would retaliate against this supposed act of aggression, declaring, “Such reckless actions will not go unanswered.” He asserted that the targets for potential counter-strikes had already been identified. Moreover, he indicated a shift in Russia’s stance on peace negotiations, suggesting that the Kiev regime has adopted a terroristic approach, prompting a reconsideration of Russia’s negotiation strategy.
In a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on December 29, Lavrov reported that Putin shared details of the incident. Ushakov, a presidential adviser, noted that Trump expressed shock and disbelief over the claims regarding the attack on Putin’s residence. According to Ushakov, Trump described the alleged events as “insane actions,” highlighting the gravity of the situation from the perspective of U.S.-Russia relations.
Ukrainian leaders respond
On the Ukrainian side, President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Lavrov’s statements as yet another fabrication from the Russian government. Zelensky argued that Russia is attempting to use these unfounded claims as a justification for further military actions against Ukraine. He stated, “It’s another lie from Russia,” emphasizing that the Kremlin is seeking reasons to escalate the conflict while undermining diplomatic efforts between the United States and Ukraine.
Concerns over misinformation
Zelensky expressed concerns about the Kremlin’s narrative, suggesting that such dangerous rhetoric could sabotage ongoing peace talks. He accused Russia of crafting the alleged drone attack story to create a pretext for additional strikes against Ukraine, particularly in the capital city of Kyiv. This accusation raises alarms about the potential for increased violence in an already tense situation.
Furthermore, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reinforced the idea that Russia’s claims were entirely fabricated to create a false narrative. He contended that Ukraine’s military actions are solely targeted at legitimate military objectives in response to continuous Russian aggression. This statement underscores Ukraine’s position of defending its sovereignty against perceived threats.
International implications
President Trump addressed the unfolding situation during a press briefing at the White House, emphasizing the sensitivity surrounding the incident. He noted, “This is not the right time” for such actions, drawing a distinction between offensive military strategies and attacks on personal residences. Trump’s comments reflect a nuanced understanding of the geopolitical landscape and the delicate balance of power between the involved nations.
As the situation develops, the implications of Russia’s accusations against Ukraine could have significant ramifications for international diplomacy. The possibility of retaliatory measures from Moscow in response to the alleged drone strike could further complicate existing peace efforts. The international community watches closely, aware that tensions between these two nations could escalate rapidly.
The exchange of accusations between Russia and Ukraine illustrates the precarious nature of their relationship. With Lavrov’s claims lacking substantiation and Ukraine’s leaders denouncing them as fabrications, the path toward resolving the conflict remains uncertain. Both sides are entrenched in their positions, seeking to influence public perception and international opinion.