### Tensions Escalate as Russia Claims Ukraine Attempted Drone Strike on Putin's Residence - On December 29, 2025, Russia accused Ukraine of launching a drone attack involving **91 long-range drones** aimed at President Vladimir Putin's official residence in the Novgorod region. This incident occurs amid ongoing peace negotiations brokered by Donald Trump to resolve the conflict between the two nations, which has been ongoing since 2022. - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that the drones were intercepted and destroyed by Russian air defenses, asserting that the attack constitutes "state terrorism" and vowing that Russia's negotiating stance will be reassessed in light of this event. Ukraine, however, has categorically denied these allegations, labeling them as falsehoods propagated by Moscow to justify its military actions and maintain a narrative of victimhood in the conflict [https://www.newsweek.com/russia-ukraine-strike-putin-residence-drones-11279920][https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/russia-says-ukraine-tried-to-attack-putins-residence-so-moscows-negotiating-stance-under-review]. ### Breakdown of Claims and Responses 1. **Russia's Allegations**: - Russia claims that Ukraine attempted a drone strike on Putin's residence using **91 drones**. Lavrov emphasized that the attack was thwarted by Russian air defenses, with no reported casualties or damage [https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/russia-accuses-ukraine-of-attempting-to-attack-putin-s-residence]. 2. **Ukraine's Denial**: - Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, have rejected Russia's claims, asserting that they are fabrications intended to manipulate public perception and distract from Russia's own military aggressions [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3744563-tensions-escalate-ukraine-allegedly-targets-putins-residence]. 3. **Impact on Peace Negotiations**: - The incident has prompted Russia to reconsider its approach to ongoing peace talks, suggesting that such provocations could derail diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict [https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/world/russia-says-ukraine-fired-drones-at-putin-residence-hpfe865q]. 4. **Context of Ongoing Conflict**: - This alleged attack comes on the heels of a significant escalation in hostilities, with Ukraine reporting extensive Russian drone and missile strikes targeting civilian infrastructure in Kyiv just days prior [https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/russia-ukraine-attempted-attack-president-vladimir-putin-residence-volodymyr-zelenskyy-claim-2843625-2025-12-29]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Drone Attack Claims**: - Russia asserts that **91 drones** were launched in the alleged attack, which they claim were all intercepted [https://athens-times.com/lavrov-ukraine-attempted-to-strike-putins-residence-in-novgorod-with-91-drones]. - **Zelenskyy's Response**: - In response to the allegations, Zelenskyy has highlighted ongoing Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, emphasizing the need for international support and air defense systems to counter such threats [https://www.newkerala.com/news/o/zelenskyy-alleges-russia-ongoing-attacks-says-residential-buildings-399]. ### Summary of Findings 1. **Allegations of Drone Attack**: Russia claims Ukraine attempted a drone strike on Putin's residence, involving **91 drones**. 2. **Denial from Ukraine**: Ukrainian officials have dismissed these claims as lies, asserting that they are part of Russia's propaganda efforts. 3. **Impact on Peace Talks**: The incident has led Russia to reconsider its negotiating position in the ongoing peace process. 4. **Context of Escalation**: This event is part of a broader pattern of escalating violence, with significant recent attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure by Russian forces. In conclusion, the situation remains tense as both sides continue to exchange accusations, with the potential for further escalation in the conflict looming over the peace negotiations [https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/29/europe/russia-claim-ukrainian-drone-attack-putin-residence-intl].