Russia’s defence ministry has released night-time footage it says shows the wreckage of a Ukrainian drone shot down near one of President Vladimir Putin’s residences in north-west Russia, reigniting tensions at a delicate moment in peace talks over the war in Ukraine. Moscow described the alleged incident as a “terrorist act” and a “personal attack” on Putin, a claim Kyiv has firmly rejected as fabricated.The video, published on Wednesday, shows a damaged unmanned aerial vehicle lying in snow in a wooded area. The defence ministry said the drone was intercepted during a “mass launch” targeting Putin’s residence in the Novgorod region on the night of December 28–29.
According to Russian officials, 91 drones were launched, all of which were intercepted by air defences. The ministry said the drone carried a six-kilogram explosive charge, but added that the residence itself was not damaged. The ministry said the alleged attack was “targeted, carefully planned and carried out in stages.” Moscow has not disclosed where Putin was at the time, citing security concerns. His residences are typically kept secret, though investigations by opposition figures in the past have pointed to a heavily protected lakeside compound in the region.
Ukraine and allies dismiss claim as fabrication
Ukraine has categorically denied any involvement, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy calling the allegation “a complete fabrication” designed to manipulate ongoing diplomatic efforts. Kyiv said there was no plausible evidence to support Moscow’s version of events and accused Russia of laying the groundwork for further attacks on Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv.Also read: Russia pushes deeper: Putin orders ‘buffer zone’ expansion in Ukraine’s Sumy, Kharkiv in 2026; Zelenskyy calls plans ‘mad’“Our negotiating team connected with the American team, went through the details, and we understand that it’s fake,” Zelenskyy told journalists, urging international partners to independently verify the claim. Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, said Russia was spreading falsehoods to undermine efforts towards a lasting peace.Notably, Russian officials have said no further evidence would be provided. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said there was no need for proof since all drones were allegedly destroyed. I
Trump reacts
The allegation has landed amid renewed diplomatic activity, shortly after Zelenskyy met US President Donald Trump in Florida. Trump said Putin personally informed him of the alleged attack and criticised Kyiv, saying it was “not the right time” for such actions. Asked whether the incident could have been fabricated, Trump appeared uncertain but said Putin had insisted it happened.The reported attack comes as Trump has claimed a peace deal is “95% done”, while Ukraine says it has agreed to most elements of a US-drafted plan. Russia, however, has signalled it may now “revise” its negotiating position, with foreign minister Sergei Lavrov saying retaliatory targets in Ukraine had already been selected. Go to Source
