The Russian government denounced on Monday an attempted Ukrainian drone attack against the presidential residence of Vladímir Putin in the Novgorod region.
According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Ukraine reportedly launched a total of 91 long-range drones on the night of December 28 to 29, which he described as a “terrorist attack” that, nonetheless, did not lead to any damage or casualties.
The attack: 91 drones against a symbolic target
According to the information published by the Russian state agency TASS, the Ukrainian offensive was specifically aimed at a highly symbolic site: the official residence of President Putin, located in the northwestern region of Novgorod.
Lavrov emphasized that “all the drones were destroyed” thanks to the air defense systems of the Russian Armed Forces.
The chancellor specified that “no victims or damages were reported due to the UAV debris” (unmanned aerial vehicles), but did not provide images or evidence to verify the details of the incident.
In his statements, Lavrov warned that "Moscow will not leave Kiev's attack unanswered", although he did not specify what form that retaliation would take.
An attack during negotiations with the United States
The Russian chancellor also emphasized that the timing of the attack coincides with a sensitive moment in the diplomatic arena.
"The attack took place during the intense negotiations between Russia and the United States to resolve the Ukrainian conflict," Lavrov warned, suggesting that the Ukrainian government may be attempting to undermine diplomatic efforts or apply pressure amid the dialogue.
Despite what he termed "a provocation," Lavrov stated that "Russia has no intention of withdrawing from the negotiation process", although he did acknowledge that the Kremlin's negotiating stance will be impacted by the episode.
"The negotiating position of Russia will be reviewed in light of the definitive transition of the Kiev regime to a policy of state terrorism," declared the minister, significantly hardening the rhetoric against the Ukrainian government.
Moscow is preparing reprisals
According to sources cited by TASS, the Kremlin has already “determined the objectives and timing for the retaliatory strike” in response to the attempted attack on Putin's residence.
However, up to this point, no details have been publicly announced nor has the commencement of offensive operations by Russian forces been confirmed.
The attack, although repelled without casualties or destruction, is one of the most ambitious in terms of the number of drones used against a high-level state target on Russian territory, which could mark a turning point in internal security measures and in the perception of the political leadership's vulnerability in the country.
Context: Escalation amidst stagnation
The war in Ukraine has entered a prolonged phase of attrition, with relatively stable front lines and an increasing reliance on long-range weapons, especially drones, by both sides.
In this context, attacks on critical infrastructures or symbolic sites have increased, alongside attempts to revive diplomatic channels.
Russia's accusation against Ukraine comes at a time when Moscow seeks to regain a negotiating role with the support of allies like China and with the indirect mediation of the United States.
Kiev, for its part, has insisted that it will not cease its military operations until there are guarantees for the total withdrawal of Russian troops from its territory.
Although Ukrainian authorities have neither confirmed nor denied the attack, media sources warn that such operations often go officially unclaimed, partly for tactical reasons and partly to maintain strategic ambiguity.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
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