Peace Talks Falter as Putin Reports Drone Attack to Trump

On Monday, December 29, 2025, a significant diplomatic rift emerged between global powers. Russian President Vladimir Putin informed U.S. President Donald Trump that Moscow is now “reviewing” its position in peace negotiations. This sudden shift follows what the Kremlin claims was a massive Ukrainian drone strike on a presidential residence.

This critical phone call occurred just one day after President Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Mar-a-Lago. Although Trump initially described the talks as being “closer than ever” to a resolution, these new allegations have created immense uncertainty.

The Alleged Attack in Novgorod

According to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, Putin used the call to describe a “terrorist attack” on the Dolgiye Borody residence. This site, located in northern Russia, has historically served several Russian and Soviet leaders.

Key details of the Russian claim include:

• Scale of the Strike: Moscow alleges that Ukraine launched 91 long-range drones at the property overnight.
• The Outcome: Russian officials state that air defenses intercepted every drone. Consequently, there were no reported casualties or structural damages.
• Diplomatic Consequences: The Kremlin warned that this incident would force a total re-evaluation of all previous agreements.

Ushakov noted that President Trump appeared “shocked” by the news. This allegation has cast a shadow over the progress made during the Florida summit.

Ukraine Dismisses “Fabricated” Allegations

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has categorically denied these accusations. Kyiv maintains that no such attack occurred. Instead, they argue that Moscow is using a “complete fabrication” to derail the current diplomatic momentum.

“The Kremlin is manufacturing a crisis to justify more attacks against Ukraine,” Zelenskyy stated. He believes the story provides Russia with an excuse to avoid signing a final peace treaty.

Ukrainian officials suggest that Russia is intimidated by the progress made during the U.S.-Ukraine security talks. They believe Moscow is using “dangerous rhetoric” to break the fragile framework established on Sunday.

Rising Tensions in a “Positive” Dialogue

Despite the heavy accusations, the White House described the conversation between Trump and Putin as “positive.” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump was fully briefed on Russia’s perspective.

The current diplomatic landscape remains tense:

• The “90% Ready” Plan: Before the call, Zelenskyy noted that a 20-point peace framework was nearly finished. This plan reportedly includes 15-year security guarantees from the United States.
• Moscow’s Demands: The Kremlin still demands a total Ukrainian withdrawal from the Donbas region. Furthermore, they reject any ceasefire that does not include permanent land concessions.
• Retaliation Warnings: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned that targets for “retaliatory strikes” have already been identified.

As 2025 ends, the “fragile peace” President Trump hoped to secure faces immense pressure from both the battlefield and the information war.