Russian claim of drone attack
⢠Russian President Vladimir Putin told former U.S. President Donald Trump that Ukraine allegedly launched a swarm of long-range drones targeted at one of his official residences in the Novgorod region of Russia late on Dec 28-29, 2025.
⢠Russia said 91 drones were launched and all were intercepted by Russian air defenses.
⢠Moscow suggested the incident could influence its approach to ongoing peace talks.
Kyiv strongly denies the allegation
⢠Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed the Russian claim as false, calling it a fabrication aimed at sabotaging the fragile push for ending the war.
⢠Kyiv maintained it did not carry out such an attack, denouncing it as political propaganda.
đşđ¸ TRUMPâS RESPONSE â ANGRY BUT CAUTIOUS
⢠Donald Trump said he was âvery angryâ about the alleged drone strike when speaking to reporters ahead of a meeting with Israeli PM at his Mar-a-Lago resort.
⢠Trump noted that Putin told him about the claim in a morning phone call, and described the idea of striking someoneâs home as ânot goodâ and ânot the right time.â
⢠However, Trump also acknowledged that itâs possible the incident did not occur and emphasized uncertainty about the facts.
⢠Importantly:
- Trump expressed anger over the allegation but did not categorically confirm that the strike happened.
- He reiterated the conflict is in a âdelicate periodâ and that facts need to be established.
đ IMPACT ON PEACE TALKS
Diplomatic context
⢠The alleged incident comes amid ongoing diplomacy between Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. aimed at ending the nearly four-year conflict.
⢠Just before the claim emerged, Trump and Zelenskyy held talks in Florida where progress on a peace framework was reported, including discussion of a U.S. security guarantee for Ukraine.
Possible effect on negotiations
⢠Russian officials have indicated the claim may prompt Moscow to reassess its stance in peace negotiations.
⢠Zelenskyy warned this could be used to justify renewed Russian military actions or to derail diplomatic progress.
đ ANALYSIS â WHATâS HAPPENING?
Multiple narratives
⢠Moscowâs narrative: Ukraine is escalating the conflict by targeting a Russian leaderâs residence, justifying firmer Russian responses.
⢠Kyivâs position: The allegation is a falsehood intended to disrupt peace efforts and shift blame.
⢠Trumpâs stance: Condemns the idea of such an attack but stops short of endorsing the Russian claim as fact, noting uncertainty.
Broader conflict dynamics
⢠The Russia-Ukraine war has seen repeated drone and missile strikes by both sides, massive aerial campaigns, and intense diplomacy involving international actors.
⢠Peace talks have been ongoing, with the U.S. playing a mediating role, but major disagreements over borders, security guarantees, and troop withdrawal remain unresolved.
