Russia alleges Ukraine attacked Putin’s residence with 91 drones, Zelenskyy denies claim

In a dramatic escalation over the weekend, Russia claimed that Ukraine launched 91 drones at President Vladimir Putin’s residence in the Novgorod region on December 28-29. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned that Moscow had already “ identified new targets for retaliation ,” while Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov added, “ Such actions will not go unpunished . Times and targets have been selected by the Russian armed forces.” Russia insisted that all drones were intercepted and caused no damage.

Ukraine immediately denied the claim , calling it a “complete fabrication” and accusing Russia of spreading disinformation to justify future attacks and derail peace talks. Analysts caution that, in this prolonged conflict, narratives are as deadly as missiles. Cyber and information warfare are constant, and both sides have at times spread misleading claims.

This latest episode comes amid a conflict that has now lasted nearly four years , since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. The war has been relentless but measured slow, attritional fighting with persistent drone and missile strikes . Russia alone has reportedly launched tens of thousands of drones, including hundreds in single raids, while Ukraine has used nearly 10,000 drones to strike Russian positions. Civilian areas have not been spared: drones and shelling have claimed around 2000 civilian lives , with many more injured, highlighting the war’s ongoing human cost.

Diplomacy continues in parallel. On December 28, U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Mar-a-Lago , where the two discussed a new 20-point peace plan and long-term security guarantees for Ukraine. Trump described the meeting as “terrific” and said progress had been made toward reducing hostilities. He also held a phone call with Putin , calling the discussion “very productive” and signaling that both sides were serious about seeking a path to peace though territorial disputes in eastern Ukraine remain a major hurdle. Zelensky stressed that any agreement must protect Ukraine’s sovereignty, while Putin hinted that Moscow might adjust its approach following the alleged drone incident.

World leaders reacted cautiously. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged dialogue and diplomacy, reflecting India’s neutral stance. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the alleged drone attack. China continued its call for negotiation and restraint. The United Nations and European Union emphasized verifying claims before reacting, warning against the dangers of misinformation amid the ongoing war.

The incident highlights the tense mix of military action, political maneuvering, and international diplomacy that defines this slow-burning yet high-stakes conflict .

The war has reshaped modern aerial combat, diplomacy, and information warfare. With both sides entrenched and civilians caught in the crossfire, the world watches closely, hoping that negotiations, fueled by figures like Trump, Zelensky, and global leaders, can finally turn the tide toward peace.