Russia Says Ukraine Targeted Putin Residence as Zelensky Rejects Claim

Russia said Ukraine tried to hit the Putin residence in the Novgorod region on December 28–29. Moscow said the strike used long‑range drones. Ukraine denied the claim. Kyiv said Russia was spreading false stories to justify new attacks.The event raised concern in both countries. It came as talks on a possible peace plan were still under way. According to Reuters, Russia said the claim would affect its stance in those talks.

Putin Residence Claim Sparks Tension

Russia said 91 drones were sent toward the Putin residence. Moscow said its air defences shot down every drone. Russia called the event “reckless” and “state terrorism.” The claim came from Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.Lavrov said the strike would not go unanswered. He said Russian forces had already picked targets for a response. He said the move would now shape how Russia negotiates. He also said it was not clear if President Vladimir Putin was inside the residence at the time.Ukraine pushed back fast. President Volodymyr Zelensky said the claim was false. He said Russia was trying to prepare the world for new strikes on Kyiv. He said the story was built to mislead. According to AP, Kyiv has warned that Russia often issues these claims before major actions.Zelensky said Ukraine would never strike in a way that harms talks. He said Russia was the side blocking peace. He said the world should not stay quiet now.

How the Claim Affects Peace Talks

The alleged drone strike came as Russia and Ukraine were still in indirect talks. Russia said the event would change how it approaches the peace plan. The Kremlin said Putin told former U.S. President Donald Trump about the shift.Ukraine said this showed Russia’s aim. Kyiv said Moscow wanted a reason to slow or freeze talks. Kyiv also said Russia had already hit government sites in Ukraine in past months. The new claim, Ukraine said, did not fit the facts on the ground.The event added new pressure to both sides. Russia wants stronger leverage in talks. Ukraine wants to protect diplomatic channels. The dispute now puts the peace process at risk. Both sides face rising tension as winter fighting continues.Many analysts say the claim may shape the next steps in the conflict. It may also test the role of global partners. Each side wants support as talks move forward. The coming weeks may show if the claim was a turning point or a brief shift.

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The debate over the Putin residence claim now sits at the centre of the conflict. Russia says a line was crossed. Ukraine says the story is false. The world will watch how the main keyword “Putin residence” continues to shape the peace path.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the Putin residence claim?

Russia said Ukraine sent drones toward the Putin residence. Ukraine denied it. Kyiv said the claim was false.

Q2: Did the drones reach the residence?

Russia said its air defences shot down all 91 drones. It said no damage was done. Ukraine rejected the whole claim.

Q3: How does this affect peace talks?

Russia said the claim would change its stance. Ukraine said Russia was using it to resist progress. Talks may now face delays.

Q4: Was Putin inside the residence?

Russia said it did not know. No details were given. The report did not confirm his location.

Q5: Why does Ukraine reject the claim?

Ukraine said Russia uses such stories before big attacks. Kyiv said it wants talks to continue. It said Russia wants new reasons to strike.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, AP, BBC