Moscow has threatened to withdraw from peace negotiations following what Russian officials describe as Ukrainian aggression against President Putin’s residence. US President Donald Trump, informed of the incident by Putin, expressed his frustration with the timing of the alleged attack.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov alleged that Ukraine launched 91 unmanned aerial vehicles toward Putin’s Novgorod region property. He stated that while all drones were intercepted and destroyed, the incident demonstrated Ukraine’s shift to “state terrorism” requiring consequences.
Trump’s remarks to reporters highlighted his displeasure with what he viewed as an attack on a leader’s personal residence during peace negotiations. He acknowledged Ukraine’s military operations but emphasized that targeting a world leader’s home undermines diplomatic progress.
Ukrainian President Zelensky firmly denied the allegations, calling them fabricated propaganda designed to sabotage peace efforts. He accused Russia of creating a false narrative to justify planned strikes against Ukrainian government infrastructure and to derail recent diplomatic achievements.
The dispute comes just one day after Trump and Zelensky met and expressed optimism about peace prospects. The Kremlin’s announcement following Trump’s call with Putin that Russia would reassess its negotiating position suggests the controversy has already undermined diplomatic momentum.