In a resolute statement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has denied accusations from Russia claiming that Ukraine carried out a drone attack on one of President Vladimir Putin's residences. Zelensky characterized these allegations as 'typical Russian lies,' designed to distract from peace negotiations currently underway.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed that Ukraine executed an attack on Sunday night employing 91 long-range unmanned aerial vehicles aimed at Putin's state residence situated in the northwestern Novgorod region of Russia.
In the wake of these claims, Russia announced a reassessment of its position regarding the ongoing peace talks. Uncertain of Putin's whereabouts during the alleged incident, Zelensky warned that Russia might leverage this narrative as justification for further assaults on Ukraine.
“Everyone must be vigilant now,” Zelensky cautioned in a press briefing, highlighting the likelihood of renewed strikes on the capital, Kyiv. Drawing on past experiences of Russian attacks against government buildings, he stressed that the Kremlin appeared eager to find pretexts to perpetuate its military engagements against Ukraine.
In his statement, Zelensky urged the international community to resist remaining silent in the face of Russia’s claims. He posited that Russia's purported drone attack narrative could lead to increased hostilities. “We cannot allow Russia to undermine the work on achieving a lasting peace,” he underscored via social media.
Countering the allegations, Lavrov asserted that Russian air defense systems intercepted and destroyed all drones purportedly targeting Putin's residence, and noted that no casualties or damage were reported from the alleged attack.
Lavrov further stated that due to the Kyiv regime's supposed 'degradation' and shift toward a policy of 'state terrorism,' Russia's negotiating stance would be reconsidered, although they would not withdraw from negotiations with the US.
Meanwhile, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha voiced skepticism over the validity of Russia's claims, stating that almost a day had passed without Russia providing any credible evidence supporting its allegations.
This exchange of accusations comes in the aftermath of US-Ukraine discussions held in Florida, where Zelensky spoke about potential paths towards resolving the ongoing conflict. He emphasized the pivotal role of US support in securing an end to hostilities while expressing distrust in Putin’s intentions towards peace.
As the geopolitical climate remains fraught, with approximately 75% of the Donetsk region under Russian control, the prospects for a diplomatic resolution appear increasingly complex.
