Russia Accuses Ukraine of Drone Attack on Putin’s Valdai Residence

By Click USA News Desk December 30, 2025 Washington, D.C.

Russia has accused Ukraine of launching a major drone strike targeting President Vladimir Putin’s fortified Valdai residence in northwestern Russia’s Novgorod region, an allegation Kyiv dismissed as a “complete fabrication” designed to sabotage U.S.-led peace efforts following President Donald Trump’s high-profile meeting with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed on December 29 that Ukraine deployed 91 long-range drones against the presidential state residence overnight from December 28-29. Lavrov stated all drones were intercepted by Russian air defenses, with no damage or injuries. He called the alleged attack “state terrorism” and said Moscow would review its position in ongoing negotiations while reserving the right to retaliate.

The accusation came just hours after Zelenskyy met Trump at Mar-a-Lago on December 28, where both expressed optimism about advancing a peace deal, including U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine. Trump described the talks as productive, saying the sides were “getting a lot closer, maybe very close” to ending the nearly four-year war.

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Putin informed Trump of the alleged drone strike during a December 29 phone call, leaving the U.S. president “shocked” and “outraged.” Speaking to reporters at Mar-a-Lago, Trump said he was “very angry” about the report, noting Putin told him directly: “I don’t like it. It’s not good.” Trump added that U.S. intelligence had not yet confirmed the incident but emphasized it came at a “delicate” time in negotiations.

Zelenskyy rejected the claims as “typical Russian lies,” accusing Moscow of inventing the story to justify strikes on Ukrainian targets and undermine diplomatic progress. “This is another fabrication to derail peace efforts,” Zelenskyy said, stressing Ukraine only hits military sites.

No independent evidence—such as satellite imagery or debris—has surfaced to verify Russia’s allegations. Discrepancies exist, with the Russian Defense Ministry reporting fewer drones downed nationwide and in Novgorod specifically.

The unverified incident threatens to complicate Trump’s push for a quick resolution to the conflict, as both sides trade blame amid fragile talks.