Ukraine Denies Drone Attack on Putin’s Residence
President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly refuted Russia’s claims that Ukraine orchestrated a drone attack on one of President Vladimir Putin’s residences, accusing Russia of attempting to sabotage ongoing peace talks.
– Russian Allegations:
– Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, alleged that Kyiv launched an attack on Sunday night involving 91 long-range unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) targeting Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod region of northwestern Russia.
– Following these claims, Russia stated it would reassess its stance in peace negotiations.
– Zelensky’s Response:
– Zelensky dismissed the allegations as typical Russian lies, asserting that they are aimed at providing the Kremlin with a pretext for continuing attacks on Ukraine.
– He emphasized the need for vigilance, warning that this unjustified claim could lead to renewed strikes on Ukrainian soil: Everyone must be vigilant now. Absolutely everyone. A strike may be launched on the capital, he stated on Monday.
– The Ukrainian president added that Russia is looking for reasons to persist in its attacks and views progress towards a ceasefire as a failure.
– International Reaction:
– Zelensky urged the international community not to remain silent, emphasizing the importance of preventing Russia from undermining efforts for lasting peace: It is critical that the world doesn’t stay silent now.
– Russia’s Counterclaims:
– Lavrov asserted that all 91 drones were intercepted and destroyed by Russian air defense systems, with no casualties or damage reported.
– He characterized Kyiv’s actions as a descent into state terrorism and signaled that Russia’s negotiating position would shift as a result, although it would not withdraw from discussions with the U.S., according to the Russian news agency, Tass.
– Clarification from Ukraine:
– Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has called for other nations to abstain from acknowledging Russia’s baseless claims, noting that no credible evidence has been provided. Almost a day passed, and Russia still hasn’t provided any plausible evidence to its accusations, Sybiha remarked.
– Context of Allegations:
– This incident follows meetings between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Florida, during which Presidents Trump and Zelensky discussed a revised peace plan aimed at resolving the conflict. Zelensky expressed hope of concluding the war by 2026, contingent on continued U.S. support.
– He noted, In this situation, the United States can move the situation to peace quicker, revealing that the U.S. had proposed security guarantees to Ukraine for 15 years.
– Territorial Concerns:
– Zelensky identified unresolved issues, such as territorial disputes and the status of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. He acknowledged that Russia currently controls approximately 75% of the Donetsk region and nearly 99% of the adjacent Luhansk region, collectively known as Donbas.
– U.S. Reactions:
– The White House confirmed a recent positive call between President Trump and Putin, after which Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov stated that Putin was upset over the alleged attack, occurring shortly after what had been characterized as a successful round of talks. Trump’s reaction indicated disbelief and disappointment regarding the situation, acknowledging that evidence was still forthcoming.
In conclusion, the escalating tensions highlight a critical moment in U.S.-Ukraine relations amidst ongoing conflict. While Ukraine categorically denies the drone attack on Putin’s residence, the response to these allegations is poised to influence future diplomatic initiatives. Zelensky’s commitment to vigilance underlines the fragile state of peace efforts, calling the world to pay attention in these decisive times.