A massive drone assault allegedly targeting Vladimir Putin’s residence in northern Russia has thrown ongoing peace negotiations into chaos, with the Kremlin threatening “retaliation” while Kyiv dismisses the incident as a pretext for a new offensive.
The Russian Foreign Ministry accused Ukraine on Monday (December 29, 2025) of launching a swarm of 91 long-range drones aimed at President Vladimir Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod region. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov described the incident as an act of “state terrorism” and warned Moscow will now “review” its position in high-stakes peace negotiations currently being brokered by the United States. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy immediately denied the claims, calling them “typical Russian lies” designed to justify imminent strikes on Kyiv’s government buildings.
The alleged attack took place overnight between Sunday and Monday, targeting the Dolgiye Borody (also known as “Long Beards” or Valdai) residence, a heavily fortified compound favored by Putin.
- The Military Claim: Russia’s Ministry of Defence reported that air defense systems intercepted all 91 drones. Most were reportedly downed over the Bryansk, Smolensk, and Novgorod regions. No casualties or material damage were reported.
- The Diplomatic Fallout: Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed Putin personally briefed US President Donald Trump about the attack during a phone call on Monday. Russia signaled that previous “agreements reached at the previous stage” of peace talks are now up for revision.
- Retaliation Threats: Lavrov said the Russian armed forces have already identified specific targets for “retaliatory strikes” in response to the alleged provocation.
“Such reckless actions will not go unanswered… Given the complete degeneration of the criminal Kyiv regime, Russia’s negotiating position will be reconsidered,” Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister, said.
“This alleged ‘residence strike’ story is a complete fabrication intended to justify additional attacks against Ukraine, including Kyiv… Russia is at it again, using dangerous statements to undermine diplomatic efforts,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted on X.
Speaking from Mar-a-Lago, US President Donald Trump expressed frustration over the reported incident, though he acknowledged the lack of independent evidence. “I don’t like it. It’s not good… It’s one thing to be offensive, because they’re offensive. It’s another thing to attack his house. It’s not the right time to do any of that,” Trump told reporters. He later added it was “possible” the attack hadn’t even happened, but noted he was just relaying what Putin told him directly.
The incident comes at a critical moment for the 20-point peace plan. Just days ago, Zelenskyy said the framework was “90% ready.” But analysts suggest the “drone swarm” narrative may be a strategic move by the Kremlin to regain leverage or to stall on difficult territorial concessions. Similar accusations were made in May 2023 after a drone explosion over the Kremlin, which Ukraine also denied at the time.
Kyiv has issued a high-alert warning for its residents, fearing the “fabricated” claim serves as the “informational ground” for a massive missile strike on Ukraine’s capital before the New Year. Meanwhile, technical teams from the US and Ukraine are still scheduled to meet in January to finalize security guarantees, though the Kremlin’s “review” of its stance threatens to derail the timeline.
Also Read / ‘95% Done’: Trump and Zelenskyy hail breakthrough progress after Mar-a-Lago summit.
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