Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of using fabricated allegations about a drone attack to sabotage diplomatic initiatives involving President Trump’s team. The accusations came in response to Russian claims that Ukraine launched 91 drones at President Putin’s residence in the Novgorod region.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov characterized the alleged December 28-29 incident as reckless state terrorism, promising that Russia would respond with military force. He stated that all drones were intercepted by Russian air defenses but emphasized that the attack attempt itself warranted significant retaliation. Lavrov confirmed that Russian armed forces had compiled lists of potential targets for counterstrike operations.
Zelensky rejected the entire Russian narrative, calling it a complete fabrication designed to create justification for strikes on Ukrainian government buildings in Kyiv. He argued that Moscow was following a predictable pattern of manufacturing accusations to provide cover for planned aggression. The Ukrainian president stressed that his country remains focused on diplomatic solutions and avoids provocative actions that could undermine peace processes.
The timing of Russia’s allegations has raised particular concern given ongoing diplomatic efforts to broker a settlement. Zelensky specifically mentioned collaboration with Trump administration officials, suggesting that Russian claims were deliberately designed to disrupt this progress. He emphasized that Ukraine’s approach differs fundamentally from Russia’s, with Kyiv consistently supporting diplomatic channels rather than undermining them.
Calling on the international community to speak out, Zelensky argued that global silence effectively enables Russian manipulation of peace efforts. He reminded audiences that Russia has previously targeted major Ukrainian government facilities, including the Cabinet of Ministers building, establishing a pattern of attacking civilian infrastructure while simultaneously accusing Ukraine of provocative actions. The Ukrainian leader stressed that preventing Russian disruption of diplomatic initiatives requires active international engagement and consistent public exposure of Moscow’s tactics.