Ukrainian Drone Strike Claims: Lavrov Accuses Kyiv of Attacking Putins Residence

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov asserted on Monday that Ukraine executed a significant drone offensive against President Vladimir Putin’s residence located in northwestern Russia. This claim was rapidly rejected by officials in Kyiv, who viewed it as a ploy to disrupt peace negotiations.

Lavrov, who typically refrains from discussing drone strikes since they fall under the scope of the Defense Ministry, claimed that Ukraine deployed 91 long-range drones to hit Putin’s residence by Lake Valdai in the Novgorod region during the night from Sunday to Monday.

He mentioned that there were no casualties or property damage, stating that Russian air defenses intercepted and destroyed all the drones prior to their reaching the targeted location.

“Such reckless actions will not go unaddressed,” Lavrov communicated in a voice message shared on the Foreign Ministry’s Telegram channel. “The Russian Armed Forces have identified the targets for retaliatory action, along with the timing for their execution.”

Lavrov indicated that Russia would adjust its stance in peace talks regarding Ukraine after what he termed a “terrorist attack,” but clarified that the country does not plan to withdraw from negotiations with the United States.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky labeled Lavrov’s claims as “fabricated” and “extremely perilous,” contending that Moscow was intent on undermining diplomatic initiatives aimed at ending the conflict and justifying ongoing attacks on Ukraine.

This statement from Lavrov was notable, as generally it is the Defense Ministry and regional authorities who announce reports of Ukrainian drone incidents, not the foreign minister.

Earlier on the same day, the Defense Ministry reported that it had shot down 89 Ukrainian drones across the country, with only 18 of those incidents occurring in the Novgorod region.

If verified, this would not be the first instance of Ukrainian drones reaching areas near Putin’s residences. In May 2023, a drone struck the Kremlin’s roof amidst a broader aerial assault on Moscow. At that time, Russian authorities characterized the event as an assassination attempt against the president.

The alleged drone strike on Putin’s Valdai residence coincided with a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida, as they engaged in ongoing discussions aimed at negotiating an end to the war in Ukraine.

Shortly after Lavrov made his announcement, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that Trump had a “positive” phone conversation with Putin regarding Ukraine.