Moscow Accuses Kyiv of Drone Terror Plot on Putin’s Residence, Ukraine Fires Back, Calls Claim a Lie Aimed at Sabotaging U.S. Peace Talks
Moscow, Russia – December 30, 2025
A fresh diplomatic storm has erupted between Russia and Ukraine following explosive allegations by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that Kyiv carried out a terrorist-style drone attack targeting the official state residence of President Vladimir Putin.
The accusation, which Ukraine has swiftly and strongly denied, threatens to complicate already further fragile efforts at de-escalation involving the United States.
Speaking on the incident, Lavrov alleged that Ukrainian forces launched what he described as a “terrorist attack” using no fewer than 91 long-range attack drones against the Russian president’s state residence in the Novgorod region.
According to the Russian foreign minister, the alleged operation represents a dangerous escalation and proof, in Moscow’s view, that the Kyiv government is unwilling to engage in a successful de-escalation of hostilities, by striking deep into Russia territory.
Ukraine’s president, however, wasted no time in rejecting the allegation, dismissing it as yet another fabrication by the Russian Federation.
In a sharp rebuttal, he accused Moscow of deliberately spreading falsehoods to undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts between Kyiv and Washington.
“Another lie from the Russian Federation,” the Ukrainian leader said, insisting that the timing of the accusation was not accidental.
He pointed to his recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday, suggesting that any movement toward improved U.S.-Ukraine relations or peace discussions is perceived by Moscow as a strategic loss.
According to him, Russia routinely responds to such moments with disinformation designed to derail dialogue and poison the atmosphere around negotiations.
Reacting to the report on the attempted strike on President Vladimir Putin’s state residence, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed strong disapproval, describing the alleged incident as a dangerous escalation.
Trump said he was briefed on the matter early in the day and stated that President Putin personally informed him about the attack.
“I don’t like it. It’s not good,” Trump stated. “I heard about it this morning. President Putin told me about it, and I was very angry about it,” a development Trump said crossed a serious line. “He said he was attacked… it’s no good,” Trump added.
Drawing a distinction between battlefield actions and symbolic targets, Trump warned against strikes on personal or state residences of world leaders.
“It’s one thing to be offensive, another thing is to attack his house,” he said. “I stopped the Tomahawks,” Trump declared, signaling what he portrayed as decisive action to rein in broader military retaliation.
Responding on the ongoing war, Lavrov said that “All the goals of the special military operation will be achieved – preferably through talks but, if necessary, using military means.” He further made it clear that Russia’s “principled course remains unchanged.”
The exchange highlights the deep mistrust and information warfare that continue to define the Russia-Ukraine war, where accusations and counter-accusations often run parallel to military operations on the ground.
Analysts note that claims involving attacks on presidential residences are particularly sensitive, carrying heavy symbolic weight and the potential to harden positions on both sides.
As Washington’s role in possible peace initiatives remains under close watch, the latest war of words raises fresh questions about whether meaningful talks can survive amid escalating rhetoric.
For now, the world is left weighing starkly opposing narratives, with Moscow alleging terrorism and Kyiv accusing Russia of strategic deception aimed at keeping the war’s door firmly shut to diplomacy.
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