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Zelensky rejects Moscow's drone attack allegations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed as "typical Russian lies" claims by Moscow that Kyiv launched a drone assault on one of President Vladimir Putin's residences in Russia's Novgorod region.
Russia links attack to stalled peace talks
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov alleged that Ukraine deployed 91 long-range drones overnight in an attempt to target Putin's state residence. According to Lavrov, all drones were intercepted by Russian air defenses, with no reported casualties or damage. He stated that the incident would prompt a review of Russia's negotiating stance, though Moscow does not intend to withdraw from discussions with the U.S.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov later told reporters that Putin informed U.S. President Donald Trump of the alleged attack during a phone call, describing Trump's reaction as one of shock and anger. Trump initially claimed ignorance of the incident but later confirmed he had been briefed by Putin, expressing skepticism about the evidence.
Zelensky urges global response to Russian tactics
In a post on X, Zelensky accused Russia of fabricating the attack to justify continued aggression against Ukraine. He called on the international community to reject Moscow's narrative, warning that silence would undermine efforts to secure a lasting peace. Zelensky also referenced past Russian strikes on Ukrainian government buildings as evidence of Moscow's broader strategy.
"It is critical that the world doesn't stay silent now. We cannot allow Russia to undermine the work on achieving a lasting peace."
Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukrainian President
U.S.-Ukraine talks raise hopes for 2026 peace deal
The allegations surfaced days after Zelensky met with Trump in Florida to discuss a revised peace plan. Zelensky told Fox News that a resolution to the war could be achieved by 2026 but emphasized that Ukraine's success hinges on sustained U.S. support. He praised Trump's economic measures against Russia as a step toward accelerating negotiations.
Zelensky also expressed skepticism about Putin's willingness to negotiate, stating, "I don't trust Putin, and he doesn't want success for Ukraine." He identified unresolved territorial disputes and control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant as key obstacles, with little progress reported on the future of the Donbas region, which Russia seeks to fully annex.
Donbas remains a flashpoint
Russia currently occupies approximately 75% of Donetsk and 99% of Luhansk, the two regions comprising Donbas. Moscow has previously rejected core elements of the proposed peace plan, complicating efforts to reach a settlement.
White House acknowledges Trump-Putin call
The White House confirmed that Trump and Putin spoke following the U.S.-Ukraine talks, describing the conversation as "positive." However, the alleged drone attack dominated discussions, with Ushakov noting that Putin framed the incident as occurring immediately after what the U.S. had deemed a productive round of negotiations.
