Breaking News: Kremlin Accuses Ukraine of Drone Attack on Putin’s Residence Amid Fragile Progress in U.S.-Brokered Peace Talks
By: Juba Global News Network | JubaGlobal.com
Published: December 29, 2025
In a dramatic escalation of rhetoric that threatens to derail nascent peace efforts, the Kremlin on Monday accused Ukraine of attempting a large-scale drone assault on one of President Vladimir Putin’s state residences in Russia’s Novgorod region. The allegation, made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, comes just one day after U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed significant progress in high-level talks aimed at ending the nearly four-year war.
Lavrov claimed that Ukraine launched 91 long-range drones targeting the presidential residence—widely believed to be the Valdai compound, a secluded retreat historically used by Russian leaders—overnight from December 28 to 29. According to the Russian foreign minister, all drones were intercepted and destroyed by air defenses, with no damage reported. He described the alleged incident as an act of “state terrorism” and warned that it would prompt Moscow to “review” its negotiating position in ongoing peace discussions.
“Such reckless actions will not go unanswered,” Lavrov stated in remarks reported by Russia’s Interfax news agency. He added that the timing and targets of any Russian retaliation had already been determined, though no specifics were provided.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy swiftly rejected the accusations as “another round of lies” from Moscow. In a strongly worded statement, Zelenskyy argued that the claim was fabricated to create a pretext for intensified Russian strikes on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, including potential attacks on government buildings in Kyiv. “This is Moscow’s way of undermining the real progress we are making in peace talks,” Zelenskyy said, urging the United States and international partners to respond firmly to what he called Russian threats.
The timing of the Kremlin’s allegation has raised eyebrows among diplomats and analysts, occurring mere hours after Trump hosted Zelenskyy at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida for over two hours of direct negotiations on Sunday. Following the meeting, Trump described the discussions as highly productive, stating that a peace deal was “closer than ever” and “maybe very close.” He praised both Zelenskyy and Putin, insisting that “both leaders want it to end” and expressing optimism that working groups could finalize remaining issues in the coming weeks.
Trump revealed that he had spoken with Putin by phone both before and after the Zelenskyy meeting, characterizing the conversations as “positive” and “productive.” Kremlin aides confirmed the calls, noting that Putin had briefed Trump on Russia’s battlefield perspective and reiterated demands for Ukraine to withdraw from parts of the Donbas region.
Key sticking points in the talks include territorial concessions in eastern Ukraine—particularly the Donbas, where Russia controls significant portions—and long-term security guarantees for Kyiv. Zelenskyy has indicated openness to referendums on territorial issues and has accepted a U.S. proposal for 15-year security assurances (with potential extensions), but emphasized that any final agreement must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty. Trump acknowledged “thorny” unresolved matters, particularly over territory, but downplayed concerns, saying the sides were “getting a lot closer.”
European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, joined a post-meeting call with Trump and Zelenskyy, pledging continued support. Macron announced plans for a January summit in Paris to coordinate “concrete contributions” from allies on security guarantees.
However, the Kremlin’s drone attack claim has cast a shadow over this momentum. Analysts suggest it could be a tactical move by Moscow to harden its bargaining position, especially as Russian forces continue incremental advances on the ground. On Monday, Putin chaired a televised meeting with military commanders, where Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov reported alleged captures of territory totaling over 6,400 square kilometers in 2025 and claimed Russian troops were advancing along the entire frontline. Independent verification of these claims remains challenging, with some reports indicating exaggerated progress.
The alleged drone incident echoes past Russian accusations, such as a 2023 claim of a Ukrainian attempt on the Kremlin itself, which Kyiv also denied. No independent evidence has emerged to support Monday’s allegation, and Western intelligence sources have historically viewed similar Kremlin statements with skepticism.
As working groups from the U.S., Ukraine, and potentially Russia prepare to convene in early 2026, the international community watches closely. Trump’s self-proclaimed role as a “global peacemaker” hangs in the balance, with allies urging caution against Russian efforts to stall or sabotage the process. Zelenskyy, meanwhile, has warned that without robust security commitments, any deal risks being temporary.
This development underscores the fragility of the diplomatic breakthrough. While Trump insists rapid progress is possible—“otherwise it’s going to go on for a very long time”—the Kremlin’s provocative claim risks reigniting escalation just as a resolution appeared within reach.
Juba Global News Network will continue to monitor this fast-evolving story, providing updates as new details emerge from Moscow, Kyiv, and Washington.
Stay tuned for further developments.
