Ukraine Drone Attack Targeted Putin’s Valdai Residence, Claims Lavrov

Kyiv Denies Allegations as Russia Vows Retaliation and Threatens Peace Talk Revisions

Russia Alleges Major Drone Strike

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov made a claim on Monday. He stated Ukraine launched a huge drone attack. The target was President Vladimir Putin’s residence in northwestern Russia. Kyiv immediately dismissed these allegations. Ukraine saw them as an effort to derail peace negotiations.

Details of the Alleged Attack

Lavrov does not usually report on drone strikes. The Defense Ministry typically handles these reports. He asserted that Ukraine used 91 long-range drones. The target was Putin’s Valdai residence on Lake Valdai. This is located in the Novgorod region. The incident happened between Sunday night and Monday morning. He confirmed there were no injuries or damage. Russian air defenses successfully destroyed all drones. They were stopped before reaching the site.

Russia’s Warning and Negotiating Stance

Lavrov issued a stern warning. “Such reckless actions will not go unanswered,” he said. This was in an audio message. It was published on the Foreign Ministry’s Telegram channel. He added, “Targets for retaliatory strikes and the timing of their execution by the Russian Armed Forces have been determined.” Lavrov declared Russia would “revise” its stance. This concerns the Ukraine peace talks. He called the incident a “terrorist attack.” Yet, he stated Russia does “not intend to withdraw from the negotiation process with the United States.”

Ukraine Rejects the Claims

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded quickly. He labeled Lavrov’s allegations as “fake.” He also called them “extremely dangerous.” Zelensky argued that Moscow was trying to sabotage diplomatic efforts. The goal is to end the ongoing war. He said it was also to justify continued strikes on Ukraine.