Ukrainian and European officials have disputed Moscow’s claims that Ukraine attempted to attack a personal residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin with drones this week, an incident that has emerged as both sides seek to influence former U.S. President Donald Trump’s view of the ongoing war.
Russian Allegations and U.S. Assessment
On Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Ukraine attempted to attack Putin’s residence in the Novgorod region with dozens of drones, and that Moscow would re-evaluate its negotiating position in response. However, U.S. national security officials have found no evidence to support the claim that Ukraine targeted Putin or one of his residences in a drone strike, according to the Wall Street Journal.
A CIA assessment reportedly corroborated this finding, indicating no attempt was made to target Putin or his residences. Russia’s defense ministry released video footage on Wednesday showing what they claim are fragments of a downed Ukrainian Chaklun-V drone carrying a 6kg explosive device.
Conflicting Reactions and Disinformation Claims
Ukraine has denied involvement in the alleged attack, characterizing it as a Russian disinformation campaign intended to strain relations between Kyiv and Washington following a recent meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Trump, which both sides described as productive. Kyiv distributed a briefing paper to European Union delegations alleging the accusations were designed to “sabotage” agreements reached during the meeting in South Florida.
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s top diplomat, on Wednesday called Russia’s claims “a deliberate distraction,” adding, “No one should accept unfounded claims from the aggressor who has indiscriminately targeted Ukraine’s infrastructure and civilians since the start of the war.”
Trump’s Response and Previous Statements
Trump initially expressed sympathy for the Russian charge, stating that Putin had informed him of the incident and was “very angry.” By Wednesday, however, he appeared more skeptical, sharing a New York Post editorial on social media that accused Russia of obstructing peace in Ukraine.
Kurt Volker, a former U.S. ambassador to NATO who served as special representative for Ukraine negotiations during Trump’s first term, stated there is “no evidence” that Putin seeks peace or Ukraine’s success, contradicting Trump’s recent assertions after speaking with the Russian leader. “All evidence is to the contrary,” he added.
The Russian and Ukrainian embassies in Washington, and the White House, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Prior to Lavrov’s accusation, the governor of Novgorod, Alexander Dronov, reported that air defense systems and fighter jets were intercepting Ukrainian drones. Trump has previously suggested the attack could be a Russian false flag operation and has, at times, accepted Putin’s statements without question, including assertions about encircling Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region that were not supported by U.S. intelligence.
Some Western intelligence officials have reportedly argued that Russia may be attempting to delay further punitive measures from Washington aimed at forcing Moscow into peace negotiations.
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