Russia claims strike on Putin's residence, Zelenskyy calls it preparation for attack on Kyiv
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (facebook.com_zelenskyy.official)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed that Ukraine attacked Russian President Vladimir Putin's residence on the night of December 29. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sees this as preparation for further hostile strikes, according to his statement on X.
Lavrov said Ukraine supposedly struck Putin's state residence in the Novgorod region with drones.
"Russia's negotiating position will be revised in view of the Kyiv regime's final shift to a policy of state terrorism. The targets and timing of Russia's retaliatory strike after the attack on Putin’s state residence have been determined," he stressed.
Lavrov added that Russia has no intention of leaving the negotiation process following the alleged Ukrainian strike.
Another lie from Russia
In response, Zelenskyy called Lavrov's statement another lie by Russia, emphasizing that it is looking for a pretext to strike government buildings in Kyiv.
"Russia is at it again, using dangerous statements to undermine all achievements of our shared diplomatic efforts with President Trump's team. We keep working together to bring peace closer," he said.
Zelenskyy also called Russia's claim about the strike on Putin's residence a "complete fabrication" to justify further attacks on Ukraine, including Kyiv. He added that Russia needs such claims to avoid taking the necessary steps to end the war.
"Typical Russian lies. Furthermore, the Russians have already targeted Kyiv in the past, including the Cabinet of Ministers building. Ukraine does not take steps that can undermine diplomacy. To the contrary, Russia always takes such steps. This is one of many differences between us," Zelenskyy stressed.
A source in Zelenskyy's team told RBC-Ukraine that a conversation between the Ukrainian and Russian presidents is not currently being discussed, though Ukraine is always ready for it.
