Russia Accuses Ukraine of Drone Attack on Putin’s Valdai Residence

By World Report Press International Desk December 30, 2025

Moscow has accused Kyiv of launching a massive drone assault targeting President Vladimir Putin’s Valdai residence in Russia’s Novgorod region, a claim Ukraine dismissed as a fabrication designed to derail U.S.-brokered peace negotiations following high-level talks.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed on December 29 that Ukraine deployed 91 long-range drones to strike the presidential state residence—known as the heavily fortified Valdai complex on Lake Valdai—overnight from December 28 to 29. Lavrov stated that Russian air defenses intercepted all the drones, with no damage or casualties reported. He labeled the alleged incident “state terrorism” and indicated Moscow would review its position in ongoing peace talks while preparing retaliatory measures.

The accusation surfaced shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S. President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on December 28, where both leaders expressed optimism about progress on a potential peace deal, including security guarantees for Ukraine. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov reported that Putin informed Trump of the alleged attack during a December 29 phone call, describing Trump as “shocked” and “outraged.” Trump later told reporters he was “very angry” about the report but awaited confirmation from U.S. intelligence.

Zelenskyy rejected the allegations as “complete lies” and a pretext for Russia to justify further strikes on Ukrainian targets, including government buildings in Kyiv. “This is another Russian fabrication to undermine the diplomatic achievements,” Zelenskyy stated, emphasizing Ukraine’s focus on legitimate military objectives.

No independent verification, including satellite imagery or debris evidence, has emerged to substantiate Russia’s claims. Discrepancies persist, as the Russian Defense Ministry reported downing fewer drones nationwide, with varying figures for the Novgorod region (18 to 41).

World leaders have called for restraint amid fragile negotiations to end the nearly four-year Russia-Ukraine war. The unverified incident raises concerns about escalating tensions and potential setbacks to ceasefire efforts.