Moscow has reiterated claims that a Ukrainian drone targeted President Vladimir Putin’s residence, allegations that Kyiv, the EU, and the US view as an effort to derail US-led peace talks.
On Wednesday, the Kremlin doubled down on the accusation, which allies say appears designed to obstruct negotiations to end Russia’s full-scale war. The Russian defence ministry released a video it claims shows a Ukrainian drone shot down near Putin’s dacha in the Novgorod region. The footage depicts a damaged UAV in snowy woodland and masked soldiers describing what they say was an attempted strike on a protected site on 29 December.
No independent evidence has been presented to verify the attack. Residents near the Valdai residence reported no noise or explosions that night, casting further doubt on Moscow’s account.
Major General Aleksander Romanenkov delivers a briefing on Dec. 31, 2025. Vadim Savitsky / Russian Defense Ministry
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