Russia has escalated diplomatic tensions by releasing footage of what it claims is a Ukrainian drone downed near one of President Vladimir Putin's favoured residences. The Kremlin has accused Kyiv of a targeted assassination attempt and threatened to withdraw from crucial peace negotiations.
Night-Time Footage and Conflicting Claims
The Russian defence ministry published a video this week, shot at night, showing a damaged drone lying in snow within a forested area of north-west Russia. Officials described the alleged strike on the Valdai mansion in Novgorod province as 'targeted, carefully planned, and carried out in stages'. This accusation marks a shift from the Kremlin's initial stance, where spokesman Dmitry Peskov refused to provide proof, asserting all drones had been shot down.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly rejected the allegation, branding it 'another lie from the Russian Federation' designed to sabotage peace efforts. Kyiv's foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, urged world leaders to condemn Russian 'manipulations', stating Ukraine only strikes legitimate military targets in self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
Threats to Diplomacy and International Reaction
The incident has thrown nascent peace talks into jeopardy. Moscow threatened to abandon negotiations on Monday night, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov alleging Kyiv used 91 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the attack. Lavrov labelled the act 'state terrorism' and warned that 'such reckless actions will not go unanswered', indicating retaliatory strikes had been planned.
US President Donald Trump told reporters he was 'very angry' after learning of the alleged attack from President Putin, stating, 'It's one thing to be offensive. It's another thing to attack his house.' However, he later conceded it was 'possible' the attack did not occur. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed Russia was amending its negotiating position following the incident.
Strategic Implications and Denials
President Zelensky suggested the accusation was a pretext for Russia to prepare new strikes, potentially on Kyiv or government buildings. He emphasised Ukraine's commitment to US-led peace efforts, while admitting victory against Russia is impossible without American support. In a Fox News interview, Zelensky stated, 'Can we win without American support? No,' and expressed deep distrust of President Putin.
Russia's narrative faced further scepticism as Ukraine pointed out the lack of evidence. 'Almost a day passed, and Russia still hasn't provided any plausible evidence... And they won't. Because there's none. No such attack happened,' stated Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga. The Kremlin dismissed these denials as 'insane'.
This dispute emerges at a critical juncture in the war. Ukraine says it has agreed to 90% of a US-drafted peace plan, but Russia remains hesitant, with this alleged attack providing a potential justification for a hardened stance and continued military action.
