The Kremlin announced on Tuesday that it would take a firmer stance in discussions to resolve the conflict in Ukraine following its claim that Kyiv had targeted a Russian presidential residence. Kyiv has vehemently denied the accusations, labeling them as falsehoods aimed at justifying further assaults on Ukraine. Russia alleged that Kyiv conducted an assault on a presidential residence in the Novgorod region using 91 long-range attack drones. Despite this, Russia stated it would not withdraw from potential peace negotiations but would reassess its position.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the alleged attack was a terrorist act designed to disrupt the negotiation process, leading to a more rigid negotiating position for Russia. He mentioned that the military was prepared to respond appropriately. This shift in stance could complicate efforts led by U.S. President Donald Trump to resolve the ongoing conflict in Europe.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha refuted Russia’s claims, stating that no credible evidence had been presented to support the allegations. He expressed disappointment in statements from various countries expressing concern over an attack that, according to Ukraine, never occurred.
When questioned about physical evidence of the drone attack, Peskov mentioned that the drones had been intercepted by air defenses, with the question of wreckage left to the Defense Ministry. Russia claimed to have shot down 91 drones, with specific details provided on their locations.
In addition to the alleged residence attack, Russia targeted infrastructure in Ukraine’s Odesa region, damaging a civilian ship and facilities in Black Sea ports. Despite the attacks, the ports continued to function. These ports are essential for Ukraine’s foreign trade and economic sustainability during wartime.
Furthermore, Russia announced that its nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile system had become operational in Belarus, with up to 10 such systems planned for deployment in the country. This development follows Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s confirmation of the system’s presence in Belarus earlier in the month.