Fragile hopes for a peace deal in Ukraine have been dealt a significant blow after Russia accused Kyiv of attempting a drone strike on President Vladimir Putin's private residence, threatening a military response.
Russia Alleges 'State Terrorism' and Vows Retaliation
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed that on 28-29 December, Russian air defences intercepted 91 long-range drones near President Putin's forest retreat in the Novgorod region. Lavrov described the alleged incident as an act of "state terrorism" and issued a stark warning. "Such reckless actions will not go unanswered," he stated, adding that targets for Russian retaliation had already been selected.
The Kremlin provided no visual evidence or independent verification for the attack assertions, which reportedly caused no injuries or damage. The claims emerged amidst delicate negotiations aimed at ending the nearly four-year conflict.
Zelensky Denies 'Fabrication', Warns of Russian Provocation
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky forcefully dismissed the Russian allegations as "a complete fabrication" and "lies." He suggested Moscow was creating a pretext to justify further escalation. "I am sure they are simply preparing the ground for strikes, probably on the capital, probably on government buildings," Zelensky told reporters via WhatsApp.
He linked the timing of the accusation to his meeting with US President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday 29 December, implying Russia sought to undermine any diplomatic progress. "For them it is a failure, because they do not want to end this war," Zelensky said.
Trump's Angry Call with Putin and Fragile Peace Efforts
The alleged attack became a central point in a Monday phone call between Presidents Trump and Putin. Trump told reporters that Putin informed him of the incident, leaving him "very angry." "It's one thing to be offensive," Trump said. "It's another thing to attack his house. It's not the right time."
Despite this, Trump maintained that an agreement to end the war could be imminent, following what he called a "productive" discussion with Putin and "getting a lot closer, maybe very close" talks with Zelensky. He acknowledged, however, that significant hurdles remain, including unresolved "thorny" territorial disputes.
Key sticking points in the 20-point peace proposal include:
- Control of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
- The final status of the Donbas region.
- Ukraine's demand for a 50-year security guarantee from the US.
Meanwhile, Lavrov used the alleged attack to signal a hardening Russian position, stating Moscow would "review its negotiating stance" but not quit talks. He reiterated that the "strategic initiative rests wholly with the Russian army" and demanded the West accept territorial realities on the ground.
As accusations fly and retaliation is promised, the path to peace appears more fraught than ever, with trust in short supply and the spectre of renewed violence looming large over the diplomatic process.
