UPDATE: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has fiercely dismissed accusations from Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that Ukraine launched a drone attack targeting Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s residence on Sunday night. In an urgent statement, Zelensky called the claims “typical Russian lies,” rejecting any involvement in what Lavrov characterized as an act of “state terrorism.”
Lavrov reported that 91 long-range drones were allegedly sent towards Putin’s home in the Novgorod region but claimed all were intercepted by Russian air defenses without causing harm or damage. He warned of potential diplomatic and military consequences stemming from these allegations, intensifying tensions in an already volatile situation.
Zelensky’s swift response highlighted the gravity of the accusations, stating, “Everyone must be vigilant now. Absolutely everyone. A strike may be launched on the capital.” This implies that the allegations could be a pretext for escalating military actions against Ukraine. He further claimed that Russia is using dangerous rhetoric to undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts, particularly those involving the United States.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Zelensky remarked, “Russia is at it again, using dangerous statements to undermine all achievements of our shared diplomatic efforts.” He described the alleged drone attack as a “complete fabrication,” aimed at justifying further assaults on Ukraine, including potential strikes on Kyiv.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha echoed Zelensky’s sentiments, asserting that no such incident occurred and criticizing Russia for failing to provide credible evidence to support its claims. “Almost a day has passed, and Russia still hasn’t provided any plausible evidence to its accusations of Ukraine’s alleged attack,” he stated emphatically.
Local news sources in Novgorod have reported no signs of drone activity or air defense operations that would align with Lavrov’s claims, raising further questions about the credibility of the Russian assertions. The Kyiv Post found a lack of coverage related to any significant military engagements in the area, suggesting that the accusations may be unfounded.
This controversy unfolds amidst ongoing peace discussions between Ukrainian and U.S. officials, including a recent meeting between Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida. Trump expressed concern over the timing of Lavrov’s statements, stating, “It’s not good. I heard about it this morning…President Putin told me about it… He said he was attacked.” He indicated that U.S. intelligence agencies would investigate the validity of Russia’s claims.
International responses have varied, with nations such as the United Arab Emirates, India, and Pakistan issuing statements that align with Russia’s narrative, despite the lack of verified evidence. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted, “I don’t think there should be any evidence if such a massive drone attack is being carried out,” implying confidence in Russian air defense operations.
As tensions escalate and diplomatic efforts face new challenges, the international community remains on high alert for further developments. The situation is fluid, and both sides are expected to continue exchanging accusations as the conflict persists. Stay updated as this story develops.
