Kremlin Claims Putin's Residence Attacked by Drones, Ukraine Cries 'Fabrication' as Peace Prospects Dim

In a dramatic turn that threatens to derail fragile peace negotiations, Russia has accused Ukraine of attempting a drone attack on President Vladimir Putin's residence. The Kremlin, without providing conclusive evidence, swiftly vowed retaliation, a claim Kyiv vehemently dismissed as a baseless fabrication designed to escalate tensions and sabotage arduous peace talks between the warring nations.

The explosive allegations, which surfaced on Monday, immediately cast a dark shadow over prospects for an end to the protracted Russia-Ukraine conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that 91 long-range drones targeted Putin's residence in the Novgorod region between December 28-29, all reportedly destroyed by air defenses with no injuries or damage. Lavrov branded the alleged incident as "state terrorism" and warned that Russia's armed forces had already selected targets for retaliatory strikes, signaling a potentially harsher stance.

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed he spoke with Putin about the alleged attack, expressing his anger over the development. "It's one thing to be offensive," Trump told reporters, "It's another thing to attack his house. It's not the right time to do any of that." Despite this, Trump reiterated his belief that a peace deal might still be within reach, following a recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Florida where they reportedly grew "very close" to an agreement, though "thorny" territorial issues persisted.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy swiftly rejected Russia's allegations as "a complete fabrication," accusing Moscow of using the unsubstantiated claim as a pretext. Speaking via WhatsApp, Zelenskiy suggested Russia was "simply preparing the ground for strikes, probably on the capital, probably on government buildings," aiming to create a scandal that would undermine progress in US-Ukraine relations and broader peace efforts.

The exchange of accusations comes as Putin continues to press his military campaign, instructing his army to seize full control of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region and demanding Kyiv withdraw forces from the remaining parts of the Donbas area. The Kremlin also indicated it was reviewing its negotiating stance in light of the alleged drone incident, though it affirmed it would not abandon the peace process entirely, opting instead for a more hardline approach.

While Trump expressed hope for a resolution after his "productive" call with Putin, the latest developments underscore the deep mistrust and potential for further escalation. Zelenskiy, who had sought a 50-year security deal with the U.S. in his Sunday meeting with Trump, now faces renewed threats amidst Russia's claims and thinly veiled warnings of retaliation, leaving the path to peace more uncertain than ever. The international community watches closely as this new layer of accusation threatens to unravel diplomatic efforts.