Russian military planners have compiled lists of potential targets for retaliatory strikes following what Moscow describes as a Ukrainian drone attack on President Putin’s residence. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov confirmed that specific targets had been identified while warning that the alleged incident would not pass without forceful response.
Lavrov accused Ukraine of launching 91 long-range drones at the presidential estate in Novgorod region over December 28-29. He characterized the alleged operation as state terrorism and reported that Russian air defense systems successfully intercepted all incoming threats. Despite this claimed defensive success, Lavrov emphasized that the attack attempt itself warranted significant countermeasures.
President Zelensky categorically denied Ukrainian involvement, labeling Russian claims as fabricated propaganda designed to justify strikes on Ukrainian government buildings in Kyiv. He suggested that Moscow was building a false narrative to provide cover for planned aggression while simultaneously undermining diplomatic initiatives. Zelensky stressed that Ukraine remains committed to peace processes and avoids provocative actions that could jeopardize negotiations.
The controversy has emerged during what many observers considered a critical period for diplomatic efforts to broker a settlement. Lavrov indicated that the alleged attack would influence Moscow’s approach to ongoing peace discussions, though Russia would continue participating in negotiations. He suggested that Russia’s position and expectations would need reassessment in light of what he characterized as Ukrainian escalation.
Zelensky appealed to the international community to recognize Russian tactics and actively counter disinformation rather than remaining silent. He referenced Moscow’s history of attacking major Ukrainian government facilities, including the Cabinet of Ministers building, as evidence of a pattern where Russia accuses others of actions it regularly commits. The Ukrainian president emphasized that preventing Russian manipulation of diplomatic processes requires sustained global attention and consistent public exposure of Moscow’s methods, arguing that silence effectively enables continued disruption of peace initiatives.