News|Russia-Ukraine warKyiv rejects Russia’s claim of Ukrainian attack on Putin residenceThe Ukrainian president rejects Moscow’s claim that Ukrainian forces launched a drone attack on Novgorod.
## Alleged Attack on Russian Presidential Residence
Alleged Attack on Russian Presidential Residence
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reported that an attack occurred on Russian President Vladimir Putin's residence in the Novgorod region using 91 long-range strike drones. The attack was intercepted by air defence systems, resulting in no injuries.
Kremlin foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov stated that the incident took place shortly after discussions in Florida between United States President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. These talks focused on ending the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy refuted Russia’s claim, suggesting it was an attempt to disrupt peace negotiations. Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha also condemned the allegation, indicating it was meant to undermine the peace process.
Russia announced that it would reconsider its negotiating stance due to the alleged attack. Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Maria Zakharova warned of a non-diplomatic response from Moscow.
The attack was intercepted by air defence systems, resulting in no injuries.
As the conflict in Ukraine enters its fourth year, peace talks remain under pressure. President Zelenskyy mentioned that a 20-point peace plan was mostly agreed upon, with U.S.-Ukraine security guarantees fully settled. However, territorial disputes in eastern Ukraine remain unresolved, with Zelenskyy advocating for Ukrainian public involvement via referendums.
President Zelenskyy has been in communication with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb to update them on the negotiations. Both Zelenskyy and Trump have expressed optimism about reaching a peace agreement.
Hostilities continue across various fronts in Ukraine. Russian forces have reportedly captured the village of Dibrova in Donetsk. In Zaporizhia, at least one civilian was killed and another injured in Orikhiv due to a Russian attack. In the Kharkiv region, three individuals were injured by Russian shelling.
Russia claims advancements in several regions including Sumy, Kharkiv, Donetsk, Zaporizhia, Kherson, and Dnipropetrovsk. According to Ukraine's General Staff, 89 combat engagements have been recorded along the front line, with significant focus on the Pokrovsk sector.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.