Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has denied allegations by Russia that Ukraine launched a drone attack on one of President Vladimir Putin's residences, and accused Moscow of trying to derail peace talks.
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed Kyiv had launched an attack over Sunday night using 91 long-range unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on Putin's state residence in Russia's northwestern Novgorod region.
Russia stated it would now review its position in peace negotiations. It remains unclear where Putin was at the time of the alleged attack.
Zelensky dismissed the claims as typical Russian lies, accusing the Kremlin of manufacturing excuses to continue its assaults on Ukraine.
He warned that Russia's claims could lead to further strikes on Ukrainian territories, urging vigilance among the populace. Everyone must be vigilant now. A strike may be launched on the capital, he added, referring to the ongoing threat from Russia.
Lavrov asserted that all 91 drones purportedly aimed at Putin's residence were intercepted and destroyed, with no reported casualties or damage. He criticized Ukraine’s leadership for what he labeled as state terrorism.
Ukraine's foreign minister urged other nations not to react to Russia's allegations, asserting that no such attack occurred.
This incident followed recent diplomatic talks between the US and Ukraine, where both parties discussed a revised peace plan aimed at concluding the ongoing conflict in the region. Zelensky emphasized that while there are possibilities to end the war, Ukraine requires continued support from the US.
Overall, the geopolitical tension is rising as both nations navigate claims and counterclaims amidst stalled peace discussions.
