Russia Says Ukraine Hit Putin’s Residence, Zelenskyy Denies and Warns of Strikes on Kyiv

In response to the false claims from the Kremlin about the so-called attack on the Russian president’s residence, Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned of a possible strike on Ukrainian government structures. 

The Gaze reports on this, referring to Dzerkalo Tyzhnia and Ukrainian Pravda.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that on the night of December 29, Ukraine carried out an attack on the Russian president’s state residence in the Novgorod region using 91 long-range strike drones. 

He described Ukraine’s actions as a “terrorist attack” but emphasized that Moscow does not intend to withdraw from the negotiation process. Nevertheless, he added that, due to the “complete transformation of the Kyiv regime,” Russia will review its negotiating position. 

Lavrov also said that the targets and timing of Russia’s retaliatory strike have been determined, though Moscow has not revealed specific plans.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Russia’s claims about the alleged attack on Putin’s residence “another lie.” He explained that the Russians are looking for a pretext to strike government buildings in Kyiv after a successful meeting between the Ukrainian and American sides in the U.S.

“Another lie from Russia. It’s clear that yesterday we had a meeting with Trump, and it’s clear that for the Russians, if there is no scandal between us and America, and we are making progress, it’s a failure for them,” Zelenskyy said, recalleing a similar missile attack on the Cabinet of Ministers building in September. 

In light of these reports and direct threats, the Ukrainian president called on U.S. President Donald Trump, his team, and European partners to actively engage and “take appropriate measures with the people who, until yesterday, were said to be very eager to end the war.”

These statements came against the backdrop of recent talks in Florida between Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump. 

Following their discussions, both sides agreed that significant progress had been made, particularly on issues of bilateral security guarantees and post-war economic recovery. Nevertheless, some matters, specifically territorial issues and control over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, remain unresolved.

Importantly, prior to the meeting, Trump had a several-hour conversation with the Russian president. According to the American president, the Russian side also seeks a peaceful resolution to the conflict but does not agree to a temporary ceasefire.

Further work is expected between advisors from the Ukrainian and American sides, after which European leaders are also to be involved in drafting certain documents. Zelenskyy does not rule out the possibility that direct negotiations with the Russian side may take place afterward.

As The Gaze reported earlier, president of Ukraine stated that the presence of international troops on Ukrainian territory is an important element of effective security guarantees. 

Read more on The Gaze: Zelenskyy summarized talks with Trump