Trump Angered After Putin Claims Ukrainian Drone Attack on His Russian Residence

US President Donald Trump expressed strong anger on Monday after Russian President Vladimir Putin informed him during a phone call of an alleged Ukrainian drone attack targeting one of Putin's official residences in Russia's northwestern Novgorod region. Trump described the purported incident as untimely and inappropriate amid ongoing peace negotiations, stating that while offensive actions on the battlefield were one matter, directly targeting a leader's home during delicate talks was unacceptable. He emphasized his frustration, noting the conversation with Putin had been productive overall despite the revelation.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Ukraine of launching 91 long-range drones against the presidential residence—likely referring to the fortified Valdai complex—on December 28-29, claiming all were intercepted by air defenses with no damage or injuries reported. Lavrov labeled the alleged assault as "state terrorism," vowed that it would not go unanswered, and announced that Russia would review its negotiating position in response, though Moscow would not withdraw from discussions. No evidence was provided by Russian officials to substantiate the claims.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky categorically denied the accusations, calling them a "complete fabrication" designed to sabotage recent diplomatic progress and justify potential Russian strikes on Kyiv's government infrastructure. Zelensky highlighted the timing, coming shortly after his meeting with Trump, and accused Moscow of refusing genuine steps toward ending the war. Ukrainian officials stressed that any actions target only legitimate military objectives.

Also Read: Trump's H1-B Visa Rules Delay Indian Dreams

The exchange occurred against intensified US-brokered efforts to resolve the conflict, now approaching its fourth year since Russia's 2022 invasion. Russia controls roughly one-fifth of Ukraine, including annexed Crimea and parts of Donbas, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions. Key unresolved issues in a proposed peace framework include control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and the remaining Ukrainian-held portions of Donbas, with Putin directing forces to secure the entirety of Zaporizhzhia.

Trump indicated a bilateral security agreement with Ukraine was approximately 95% complete, anticipating European nations to assume primary responsibility backed by US support, while expressing optimism that thorny territorial disputes could soon be addressed to achieve peace. Zelensky reiterated Ukraine's reliance on American assistance and lack of trust in Putin, underscoring the need for robust, long-term guarantees amid Russia's battlefield advances and unyielding demands.

Also Read: Trump Hosts Zelenskyy at Mar-a-Lago for Ukraine Peace Talks