Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed Russian allegations of a drone strike on President Vladimir Putin’s residence. On Monday, December 29, 2025, Zelenskyy labeled the reports as “typical Russian lies.” He further described the accusations as a “complete fabrication” designed to stall diplomatic progress.
This controversy erupted shortly after a productive meeting between Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida. Although both leaders reported being “very close” to a peace framework, these new accusations have introduced sudden volatility into the negotiations.
Trump Reacts to Putin’s Allegations
President Trump addressed the situation from his Mar-a-Lago resort while meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During the briefing, Trump confirmed he had spoken directly with Putin, who personally informed him of the alleged attack.
“President Putin told me about it. Early in the morning he said he was attacked,” Trump told reporters. “It’s a delicate period of time… It’s one thing to be offensive, because they’re offensive. It’s another thing to attack his house. I was very angry about it.”
Despite his initial frustration, Trump noted that it is “possible” the attack never occurred. Consequently, he stated that U.S. intelligence would investigate the matter thoroughly.
Moscow’s Claims vs. Kyiv’s Denial
The Kremlin alleges that Ukraine launched 91 long-range drones at Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod region overnight. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed all drones were intercepted. However, he warned that Russia’s negotiating position would now be “reviewed” in response to what he termed “state terrorism.”
Zelenskyy countered that Moscow is manufacturing a crisis to justify fresh strikes on Ukrainian government buildings. He highlighted three main concerns:
- Pretext for Escalation: Zelenskyy warned that Russia is “preparing the ground” for strikes on the capital city, Kyiv.
- Sabotage of Diplomacy: Kyiv maintains it only targets military infrastructure. Therefore, they would not take steps to undermine the 20-point peace plan currently under discussion.
- Lack of Evidence: Independent observers and Western intelligence have not yet seen physical evidence or local reporting to corroborate a massive 91-drone strike.
Status of the Peace Framework
Before this incident, the peace process appeared to be in its final stages. President Zelenskyy revealed that the U.S. has offered 15-year security guarantees, which are “100% agreed” upon.
However, several “thorny issues” remain unresolved. These include territorial concessions in the Donbas and the future status of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
As of Tuesday, December 30, 2025, the “fragile peace” sought by the Trump administration faces its toughest test. Both sides continue to trade accusations of sabotage as the year comes to a close.
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