President Volodymyr Zelensky has highlighted ongoing diplomatic cooperation with President Trump’s team while warning that Russian allegations about a drone attack on Putin’s residence threaten to undermine this progress. The Ukrainian leader emphasized the importance of protecting collaborative peace efforts from Russian manipulation.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Ukraine deployed 91 long-range drones against the presidential estate in Novgorod region during December 28-29. He characterized the alleged operation as reckless state terrorism and warned that Russia would respond with military force. Lavrov confirmed that despite successful interception of all drones by air defense systems, the incident would necessitate reassessment of Moscow’s negotiating position.
Zelensky categorically denied Russian allegations, labeling them as fabricated propaganda designed to create justification for attacks on Ukrainian government buildings in Kyiv. He argued that Moscow was deliberately attempting to sabotage diplomatic momentum, specifically mentioning work with Trump administration representatives as potentially threatened. The Ukrainian president emphasized that Ukraine remains committed to supporting peace initiatives.
Russian authorities reported that air defense networks successfully eliminated all incoming threats to the presidential compound. However, Lavrov indicated that the alleged attack attempt would influence Russia’s approach to ongoing discussions. He stated that while Moscow would continue engaging in negotiations, the incident required recalculation of Russia’s expectations.
Zelensky appealed to world leaders to speak out against Russian disinformation rather than remaining silent. He warned that Moscow’s claims threatened to disrupt collaborative diplomatic efforts at a critical moment. The Ukrainian president referenced Russia’s history of attacking Ukrainian government facilities as evidence of a pattern where Moscow accuses others of actions it regularly commits. He stressed that protecting diplomatic progress with international partners, particularly Trump’s team, requires sustained global attention and active counter-messaging against Russian manipulation tactics designed to derail peace initiatives.
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