Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly informed U.S. President Donald Trump on a phone call Monday that Ukraine allegedly launched a drone attack on one of his residences in northwestern Russia, a claim widely broadcast by the Russian state‑owned news agency TASS and Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov. According to Ushakov, Trump was “shocked and outraged” upon hearing the account, expressing disbelief that Ukrainian forces would carry out such an action.
The call came amid high‑stakes diplomatic maneuvering as Washington pushes for a peace framework to end the nearly four‑year war triggered by Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. The White House described the conversation as “positive,” but the Russian assertion about the drone attack injects fresh tension into negotiations.
Russia’s Version: Drone Swarm Targeted Putin Residence
The Kremlin, echoed by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, claimed that Ukrainian forces launched a “massive” drone barrage—said to involve 91 long‑range drones—against President Putin’s official residence in Novgorod Oblast. Russian air defenses were reported to have intercepted and neutralized the drones, with no confirmed injuries or damages. Moscow has framed the incident as “state terrorism” and says it will revise its negotiating stance in ongoing talks with Kyiv.
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According to Ushakov’s account of the Trump‑Putin call, the Russian leader emphasized that the alleged attack would force him to reconsider his approach to peace negotiations, even as Moscow claimed it intended to continue talks with the United States.
Ukraine Denies the Allegations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his officials have strongly rejected Moscow’s claims, labeling them as false and a tactical move to undermine diplomatic progress. Kyiv maintains that it did not target Putin’s residence and suggested that Russia may use the story to justify future strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure or government buildings. [Reuters report summaries referenced]
Zelenskyy’s office described the Russian account as “fabrication,” suggesting that the allegations are designed to distract from ongoing peace initiatives and bilateral discussions involving the United States.
Trump’s Reaction and Diplomatic Context
According to the Kremlin aide, Trump reacted with “shock and outrage” to the Russian narrative, reportedly telling Putin, “Thank God, we did not give Tomahawks to Ukraine,” indicating relief that more lethal U.S.‑made weapons were not in Kyiv’s arsenal at the time. This specific remark was cited in Russian state reporting, though it has not been independently confirmed by the White House.
The White House, meanwhile, has maintained that Trump’s discussion with Putin was constructive and focused on advancing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, including possible frameworks for ceasefires and longer‑term security guarantees.
International Reactions and Skepticism
Western analysts and Ukraine’s partners have expressed skepticism about Russia’s account of the alleged drone strike, with some observers suggesting it may serve as a pretext for hardening Moscow’s negotiating position or justifying military escalation. Independent verification of the claimed incident has not been offered by neutral international observers.
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The backdrop to these developments includes continued diplomatic engagements between Trump and international leaders, efforts to solidify security guarantees for Ukraine, and debates over long‑term peace strategies. Recent talks in Florida brought Trump and Zelenskyy together to discuss a peace plan covering multiple points of contention, including territorial issues and international guarantees for Ukrainian sovereignty.
What This Means for Peace Talks
The conflicting narratives underscore the challenges facing peace diplomacy. Russia’s claim, combined with Trump’s reported reaction, could influence how negotiations proceed and how each side frames its objectives domestically. Meanwhile, Kyiv’s outright denial highlights the deep mistrust that persists among the key players, complicating efforts toward a negotiated end to the war.
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