Zelenskyy Denies Russian Claims of Drone Attack on Putin’s Residence Amid Rising Tensions
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy firmly rejected Russian assertions that Kyiv orchestrated a drone attack targeting President Vladimir Putin’s residence in Russia’s Novgorod region, labeling the claim a “complete fabrication.” The accusations, made by senior Kremlin officials including Putin’s foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, were posted on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s official Telegram channel and have heightened tensions between the two nations amid ongoing conflict.
In a statement delivered Monday, Zelenskyy condemned the allegations as a pretext for Russia to escalate military actions against Ukraine, including strikes on Kyiv. “This alleged ‘residence strike’ story is a complete fabrication intended to justify additional attacks against Ukraine, including Kyiv, as well as Russia’s own refusal to take necessary steps to end the war,” Zelenskyy said. He emphasized that Ukraine refrains from actions that undermine diplomatic efforts, contrasting that with Russia’s repeated provocations. “Ukraine does not take steps that can undermine diplomacy. To the contrary, Russia always takes such steps. This is one of many differences between us.”
The Kremlin’s claims come as the nearly four-year war between Russia and Ukraine continues to claim lives and destabilize the region. Russia’s threats of retaliation were underscored by Lavrov, who warned that “such reckless actions will not go unanswered” and indicated that the Russian Armed Forces have already determined targets and timing for counterstrikes. Despite this, Lavrov asserted that Russia remains engaged in negotiations with the United States, signaling a complex balance between military escalation and diplomatic dialogue.
The White House confirmed that President Donald Trump spoke with Putin twice in two days following Trump’s meeting with Zelenskyy in Florida. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the calls as “positive” and focused on the ongoing war in Ukraine. Trump, speaking at his Mar-a-Lago estate, expressed anger upon learning about the alleged drone strike during his conversation with Putin, stating, “This is not the right time. It’s one thing to be offensive because they’re offensive. It’s another thing to attack his house.”
Trump’s recent meeting with Zelenskyy was hailed by the former president as productive, with discussions centering on potential pathways to end the conflict. The dialogue comes amid international concerns over the war’s impact on European security and global stability. The situation remains fluid, with both sides exchanging accusations and warnings.
The conflict has drawn scrutiny from multiple international actors, including the U.S. Department of State, which continues to advocate for diplomatic solutions while supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty. The Department of Defense has also been closely monitoring developments, providing aid and intelligence to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
Meanwhile, the White House has maintained a cautious stance, balancing sanctions and diplomatic engagement. The ongoing conflict underscores the challenges faced by global leaders in navigating a path toward peace in Eastern Europe.
As the situation evolves, the international community watches closely, with the hope that dialogue and diplomacy will prevail over further violence and escalation.
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