President Volodymyr Zelensky has emphasized Ukraine’s defensive military posture while responding to Russian allegations about a drone attack on Putin’s residence. The Ukrainian leader stressed that his country does not engage in provocative actions that could undermine ongoing peace efforts.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Ukraine of deploying 91 long-range drones against the presidential compound in Novgorod region over December 28-29. He labeled the alleged operation as state terrorism and confirmed that while Russian air defenses successfully intercepted all threats, Moscow would implement military countermeasures. Lavrov indicated that the incident would influence Russia’s approach to peace negotiations.
Zelensky dismissed Russian claims as fabricated lies designed to create justification for strikes on Ukrainian government buildings in Kyiv. He argued that Moscow was following an established pattern of manufacturing accusations to provide cover for planned aggression while sabotaging diplomatic initiatives. The Ukrainian president specifically mentioned work with Trump administration representatives as potentially threatened by Russian manipulation.
According to Russian accounts, air defense systems eliminated all incoming drones before they could reach the presidential property. However, Lavrov maintained that the attack attempt warranted significant retaliation and would necessitate reassessment of Moscow’s negotiating position. He confirmed that Russian military planners had identified specific targets for potential strike operations.
Zelensky called on the international community to recognize the fundamental differences between Ukrainian and Russian approaches to conflict resolution. He referenced Moscow’s history of attacking major Ukrainian government facilities as evidence that Russia regularly commits actions it accuses Ukraine of undertaking. The Ukrainian president stressed that Ukraine’s military operations remain focused on defense and supporting peace processes, contrasting this with what he described as Russia’s pattern of undermining diplomatic efforts. He emphasized that this distinction represents one of many critical differences between the two countries’ conduct.
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