Ukraine’s denial
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected the claim on social media, calling it a Russian attempt to derail diplomacy. “This alleged ‘residence strike’ story is a complete fabrication intended to justify additional attacks against Ukraine, including Kyiv,” he wrote. Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, echoed that position Tuesday, noting that nearly a full day had passed without Moscow presenting corroborating evidence.
Kremlin response
Asked whether proof would be released, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the matter rests with the military. He criticized Western outlets for “playing along with Ukraine” and repeated that Russia reserves the right to retaliate if its president is targeted.
Impact on peace talks
The allegation surfaced one day after Zelenskyy met face-to-face with U.S. President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. Both leaders said progress had been achieved on a 20-point peace framework, including possible security guarantees for Ukraine. Russian state media later reported that Putin telephoned Trump to outline the drone incident, telling him Moscow might “revise its stance” in the negotiations.
Kremlin foreign-policy aide Yuri Ushakov said Trump was “literally outraged” during the call, a characterization broadcast by state agency Tass. According to Ushakov, Trump indicated the attack would influence Washington’s cooperation with Kyiv.
Trump’s remarks
Speaking to reporters in Florida Monday night, the U.S. president confirmed he had been briefed by Putin and expressed anger at what he described as an ill-timed move by Ukraine. “It’s another thing to attack his house,” Trump said. When asked whether U.S. intelligence could verify the incident, Trump acknowledged it was “possible” the strike never happened but added, “President Putin told me this morning it did.”
Reactions and skepticism
Commentators on social media suggested Moscow might be testing the resilience of proposed security guarantees. Olena Halushka, co-founder of the International Centre for Ukrainian Victory, wrote that a single false-flag operation could unravel commitments to Kyiv. Independent analysts have also noted that previous Russian claims about attacks on high-profile targets have at times lacked substantiation. A recent Reuters backgrounder details earlier disputed incidents involving Russian leadership facilities.
Military posture
Ahead of any public evidence, Russia’s defense ministry said anti-air units around key government sites remain on heightened alert. No new strikes were reported in the Novgorod region Tuesday, and local authorities have not issued evacuation orders. Ukraine’s air force stated it detected no cross-border launches matching Russia’s timeline.
Diplomatic stakes
The allegation arrives at a sensitive moment in the conflict. U.S. officials have been brokering discussions that could allow gradual troop withdrawals and demilitarized zones along parts of the frontline. Any Russian retaliation could jeopardize that initiative, diplomats say, though Washington has not formally commented on how the drone dispute might influence negotiations.
Within Russia, state television framed the episode as proof of Kyiv’s willingness to escalate directly against Putin. Ukrainian media, by contrast, labeled it a pretext for intensifying missile strikes on Ukrainian cities. Each narrative underscores lingering distrust that has complicated earlier cease-fire efforts.
Next steps
No meeting between U.S., Russian and Ukrainian teams was scheduled for Tuesday, but all parties are expected to reconvene for technical talks later this week. The Kremlin has not indicated whether it will table evidence of the alleged attack at those discussions. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy’s office reiterated a call for independent verification by international observers.
As both sides harden their messaging, regional security services remain alert for potential follow-up operations. Analysts note that drone technology has played an expanding role in the conflict, with both militaries employing it for reconnaissance and long-range strikes. Confirmation of a direct attempt on Putin’s residence, if proven, would mark one of the most audacious uses to date.
Crédito da imagem: Alexander Kazakov | Afp | Getty Images
