Zelensky Refutes Russian Drone Attack Claims Amid Peace Negotiation Efforts

President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly denied allegations from Russia that Ukraine carried out a drone attack on one of President Vladimir Putin's residences. Zelensky accused Moscow of fabricating claims to disrupt ongoing peace talks. In a statement, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov asserted that Kyiv had launched an assault using 91 long-range unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) aimed at Putin's state residence in the northwestern Novgorod region. However, it remains unclear where Putin was during the alleged attack. Zelensky dismissed the accusations, labeling them as typical Russian disinformation designed to provide the Kremlin with justifications for continuing its military aggression against Ukraine. In his comments on social media platform X, Zelensky stressed the urgency of global attentiveness, stating, "It is critical that the world doesn't stay silent now. We cannot allow Russia to undermine the work on achieving a lasting peace." In an official announcement shared via Telegram, Lavrov claimed that all 91 drones allegedly targeting Putin's residence were intercepted and destroyed by Russian air defense systems, and reported no casualties or destruction from the purported attack. He criticized Ukraine's government, describing it as a "criminal regime" that has resorted to state terrorism, and announced that Russia would reassess its position in peace negotiations going forward. Nevertheless, Lavrov noted that Russia does not intend to withdraw from the negotiation process entirely. This claimed drone incident surfaced shortly after discussions between US President Donald Trump and President Zelensky took place in Florida, where the two leaders deliberated on a revised peace plan to resolve the ongoing conflict. Following the meeting, Zelensky conveyed to Fox News on Monday that there is a potential pathway to concluding the war by 2026, but he emphasized that Ukraine would not be able to emerge victorious without substantial support from the United States. Zelensky expressed confidence in President Trump's commitment to implementing strong sanctions and economic measures against Russia, indicating that such actions could expedite a peace resolution. He stated, "My feelings from President Trump's sanctions and economic steps show that he's ready for very strong steps. In this situation, the United States can move the situation to peace quicker." Highlighting the lack of genuine willingness for peace from Putin, Zelensky mentioned, "I don’t trust Putin and he doesn’t want success for Ukraine." He acknowledged that the United States has offered Ukraine security guarantees for a period of 15 years, with discussions suggesting that an agreement on this front was nearly complete. Key territorial and safety concerns, such as those involving the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and the contentious Donbas region, remain unresolved. Russia currently wields control over approximately 75% of the Donetsk region and nearly all of the neighboring Luhansk region. Despite the ongoing discussions, Russia has rejected crucial elements of the proposed peace plan. In a statement on Monday, the White House confirmed that Trump had a constructive phone call with Putin following the US-Ukraine talks. Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov remarked that during this call, Putin highlighted the alleged attack on his residence occurring immediately after what was perceived as a productive round of negotiations. Ushakov noted that Trump's reaction to Putin's claim was one of shock and anger, underscoring the potential shift in the US's approach toward Zelensky as a result. During a subsequent press conference, Trump initially appeared unaware of the alleged drone incident but later acknowledged being informed about it by Putin, responding, "Well, we’ll find out. You’re saying maybe the attack didn’t take place—that’s possible too, I guess. But President Putin told me this morning it did." As tensions rise amid fluctuating narrative between each nation's leaders, the diplomatic landscape continues to evolve, with the focus squarely on the quest for a sustainable resolution to the ongoing conflict. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2