Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed on Monday that Ukraine attempted to strike President Vladimir Putin’s residence in northern Russia, leading Moscow to reconsider its negotiating stance. However, Ukraine promptly refuted the allegation.
According to Russia, Ukraine allegedly launched an attack on the presidential residence in the Novgorod region using 91 long-range drones overnight, all of which were reportedly intercepted and destroyed by Russian air defenses. Lavrov emphasized that no casualties or damages occurred but warned that such actions would not go unanswered, branding the incident as “state terrorism.”
The purported attack coincided with ongoing peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, prompting Lavrov to announce a review of Moscow’s position while reaffirming Russia’s commitment to the talks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denounced the accusation as false and accused Moscow of laying the groundwork for potential strikes on government buildings in Kyiv.
The involvement of President Putin at the Dolgiye Borody residence, previously used by historical figures like Joseph Stalin, Nikita Khrushchev, and Boris Yeltsin, remained unclear.
Yuri Ushakov, a Kremlin foreign policy aide, disclosed that Putin conversed with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, with Trump reportedly expressing shock upon learning about the alleged attack on the Novgorod residence.
Trump, addressing the media post-call from his Mar-a-Lago club, condemned the attack and described the discussion with Putin as productive, hinting at resolving outstanding issues for achieving peace.
In related developments, Zelenskyy revealed that the United States had offered Ukraine a 15-year security guarantee as part of a peace proposal, with efforts underway to extend the commitment to 50 years to deter further aggression from Russia.
Despite positive sentiments following their meeting, negotiators are still grappling with unresolved issues such as troop withdrawals and the status of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
As negotiations approach a critical phase, Putin asserted Russian advancements in eastern Ukraine and reiterated the importance of securing military buffer zones along the border for regional safety.
At a televised session with military officials, Gen. Valery Gerasimov disclosed territorial gains made by Russian forces in Ukraine in 2025, emphasizing strategic objectives to safeguard Russia’s border regions.
Trump indicated readiness to consider extending U.S. security guarantees beyond 15 years, subject to congressional approval and cooperation from other involved nations, as Zelenskyy expressed aspirations for a national referendum on the proposed peace plan.
However, achieving a ceasefire and comprehensive settlement remain contingent on Moscow’s stance, which has yet to demonstrate willingness for a truce without substantial progress.