Russia Claims Drone Attack on Putin Residence

• Russia alleges Ukraine attempted drone strike on Putin’s northern residence
• 91 long-range drones reportedly intercepted by Russian air defences
• Lavrov says Moscow’s negotiating stance will be reviewed
• Ukraine calls the claim false and warns of possible Russian escalation

GG News Bureau
Moscow, 29th Dec: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday claimed that Ukraine attempted to attack President Vladimir Putin’s residence in Russia’s Novgorod region using long-range drones, warning that Moscow’s negotiating stance would be reviewed in light of what he described as a “reckless” act.

According to Russian authorities, Ukraine launched 91 long-range drones overnight towards the Dolgiye Borody — or Long Beards — residence, which has historically been used by several Russian leaders. Lavrov said Russian air defences intercepted and destroyed all drones, with no injuries or damage reported.

Calling the alleged incident “state terrorism,” Lavrov said retaliatory targets had already been selected by Russia’s armed forces. “Such reckless actions will not go unanswered,” he said, adding that while Moscow would not abandon negotiations over a possible peace settlement, its position would now be reassessed.

Ukraine, however, dismissed the allegations as false. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the claim was a lie and accused Moscow of preparing to strike government buildings in Kyiv. He said the Russian narrative was aimed at undermining peace efforts.

It remains unclear whether President Putin was present at the Novgorod residence at the time of the alleged incident.

Separately, President Putin instructed Russian forces to continue their campaign to gain full control of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region, after a Russian commander said Moscow’s troops were about 15 kilometres away from the region’s largest city.